Jerry Robert Smith

Click here to view Jerry's Liturgical Wake Service.

Click here to view Jerry's Mass of Christian Burial.

Jerry Robert Smith, 62, of Aberdeen, passed away Friday, April 12, 2019, at Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at St Mary's Catholic Church, 409 2nd Avenue NE, Aberdeen, with Father Andy Thuringer as celebrant.

Burial will take place at St Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be 5-7:00 pm, Monday at the mortuary, with a liturgical wake service beginning at 7 pm. Visitation continues one hour before Mass at the church on Tuesday.

Family and friends may sign Jerry's online guestbook and also view his service via the live stream service link at www.schriversmemorial.com. 

Jerry Robert Smith was born on Sept 9th, 1956, in Lincoln Nebraska. He was the middle child of Richard Lee "Pony" Smith and Barbara Ann (Truitt) Smith. He lived there until 1968 when his mother tragically died and his family was shattered. He was 12 years old. 

Jerry and his siblings were separated and sent to live with various relatives. He moved in with his Uncle Chick and Aunt Elaine where he attended Malcolm Junior high school and excelled at Track and Field events such as the long jump. Jerry returned to his father's home and attended Lincoln High School, graduating early in 1975. After high school he briefly served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in April 1975.

Jerry moved to Aberdeen to manage the local JB's Big Boy, where he met his future bride Patricia Ann Smith. They went on a single date (the famous Dr Pepper story) before he returned to Lincoln to be with family and his grandmother Kay, whom was receiving cancer treatments. 

In June 1977, Jerry moved to Hyattville, WY to work at his Uncle Doug's cafe. He never forgot about Pat, the woman he wished to marry. The couple sent numerous cards and letters to one another and spent hours chatting on the phone.

On March 10, 1978, they eloped to Webster, SD to be married in front of the county judge and a couple of friends. Taking Pat on their first of many traveling adventures, visiting family in Nebraska, spending a day in Kansas City visiting Worlds of Fun and dining at the Skies rotating restaurant, before traveling to Colorado to visit grandma Vogel. Jerry and Pat married a second time in an Aberdeen church on September 8th, 1978, their colors were peach and blue.

Jerry and Pat became proud parents of three wonderful children between February 1979 and May 1982. It was during this time when he began working at 3M in Aberdeen, in a career that lasted until his retirement in 2016. Throughout the decades Jerry and his family traveled coast to coast for camping, theme parks, family reunions and of course cemeteries.

Jerry was an avid genealogist, who enjoyed visiting cemeteries and learning about his family's lineages and history. Even writing a book with sister Jacki on their findings to share with family and future generations. Jerry will always be remembered for being instrumental in keeping both families in touch with one another. 

Jerry loved his grandchildren. He was an ever-present supporter of their formative years and built a powerful family connection with both of them. He would frequently take them to the movies and on adventures of all kinds. He loved setting up the coveted four generation photos while visiting relatives.

Grateful for sharing his life, Jerry is survived by his wife of 41 years, Patricia Smith of Aberdeen; his children Jeremy Smith of Aberdeen, Courtney Smith of Aberdeen, Anthony "Tony" Smith and his wife Katie of Albany GA; his two Grandchildren, Natalie and Jacob Smith; his father and step-mother, Richard Lee "Pony" (spouse Susan) Smith; and his older siblings, Jacqueline (spouse Ben) Bencomo of Pueblo West, CO and Richard A (spouse Stephanie) Smith of Lincoln, NE; and his younger siblings, Marjorie (spouse Thomas) Derozier of Plymouth, UT and James (spouse Sadie) Smith of Castle Rock, CO. As well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents.

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