Jerome J. Schmitt
December 09, 2013
Jerome John Schmitt, 87, passed away Monday, December 9, 2013 at home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 13th at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, 510 East 1st Street in Ankeny, with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 12th at the church, with a vigil service beginning at 7 p.m.
Jerome was born on March 31, 1926 in Rickardsville, IA, the son of Frank and Mary Schmitt and one of 12 children. He grew up on a farm and attended St. Joseph Catholic School. He served in the U.S. Army stationed in Hawaii from 1945-47, returning home to work on the family farm.
In March 1949, Jerome moved to Ankeny to work with his sister and brother-in-law, Selina and Dale Waters, establishing Waters Welding Service. Jerome ran the business for 24 years following Dale’s passing in 1964. He was an expert welder, attracting business from throughout the state, and also crafted many artistic, one-of-a-kind creations. Jerome retired with the close of the business in 1988.
Jerome had many real estate investments and was a respected property owner and landlord. He gave many people the opportunity to own homes that might not otherwise have had the chance. He was a skillful poet, writing about his family and life in general, and was published in Stars and Stripes magazine. Jerome was a member of Knights of Columbus and enjoyed country music.
In 1948, Jerome met the love of his life, Josephine Ann Bluel at the Crystal Ballroom in Dubuque, IA. Jerome and Josephine were married on May 3, 1950 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ryan, IA, and were blessed with 10 children with whom they shared their love, perseverance, work ethic, and most of all, their Catholic faith.
Jerome is survived by Josephine, his wife of 63 years; his children Perry (Elizabeth) of Urbandale; Valerie Heinzen of Madison, WI; Eugene (Gerri) of Ankeny; Diana (Leonard) Amadeo of Merrimack, NH; Dennis of Runnells; Mary Jo (Ron) Nielsen of Garland, TX; Jeffrey (Christine) of Ankeny; Brian (Debra) of Edmond, OK; Kathleen (James) Irvin of Congerville, IL; and Daniel (Tiffany) of Roselle, IL; 18 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; as well as his siblings, Verlyn Schmitt, Eldon Schmitt, Arnieta Erickson, and Luella Hammerand. He was preceded in death by his parents and 7 siblings.
Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice in loving memory of Jerome.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
George Raymond & family
12/13/2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We enjoyed getting to meet Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt and sharing lunch and stories with them last year in their home. Our condolences.
Reynolds & Kathleen Toney - ODOT
12/13/2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Liz/John Calisesi, Fort Dodge,IA
12/12/2013
Diana, Leonard, & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during the loss of your dad...it is difficult to let go no matter their age. May treasured memories you shared with him give you comfort, please extend our sympathy to your mom and family.
Love & Hugs, Cousins Liz/John & Family
Cindy (Arlen) Bartels
12/12/2013
The sadness of losing a parent or spouse cuts straight through the heart. It's the happy memories that will get you through the upcoming days. I remember your dad, husband as the uncle with the kind smile, a handsome man, usually when I saw him it was in a suit and tie. My prayers are with your family. I am sorry to not be able to attend.
My condolences to all,
Cindy
Pam Pfohl
12/12/2013
My thoughts are with all of you, I am so glad we visited a few months ago.....love and prayers to you. I have many wonderful memories of your family.
Jean Authier & Therese (Authier) Schultz
12/12/2013
Sorry to hear about your loss. He has lead a full life and is now home. His family will be in our prayers.
Russ and Wanda Nielsen
12/12/2013
We send our sympathy to the family and pray for the comfort you find in wonderful memories of Jerome.
Janet Griffin
12/11/2013
So sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jill Erickson Wiebusch
12/11/2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I have wonderful childhood memories of trips to Ankeny to visit you all. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Jerome was a truly wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
Karen and Mike Margitan
12/11/2013
Gene, Gerri and family: Sending you our kindest and most loving thoughts...Wishing you peace as you grieve.
Janice Yori Edmondson
12/11/2013
My condolences on the loss of your father. Your family is in my prayers.
Earl & Carol Kueny
12/10/2013
We are sorry for you loss. You have some beautiful memories to share and sustain you.
Becky and Mark Etchen
12/10/2013
Our condolences to you all. We send you our warmest thoughts.
Gary & Rhonda Baldwin
12/10/2013
Gene & Gerri - Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. You both have done so much over the years to care for and help out your father so just know that he'll be watching over you two from Heaven. Hugs.