Jerome J. Schmitt

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.

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