Gerald “Gerry” J. Smith, 94, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, April 20, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on September 27, 1931, to the late Clarence P. and Helen (Prins) Smith in Morrison, IL.
Gerry grew up helping out on his family farm in Fulton, IL, with his nine brothers and sisters. It was there that he met Marge, while she was in town visiting her cousins.
Gerry enlisted in the US Navy on January 10, 1951, and was honorably discharged on November 18, 1954. He found employment at the AMC Proving Grounds in Burlington, WI to be closer to his sweetheart.
On March 13, 1954, he married the love of his life, Marjorie A. Kloet, at her parents’ home in Kenosha, WI. They purchased a home in Kenosha, where they raised their three children, Randy, Karen, and Christine. Gerry began his 34-year career at Abbott Laboratories, retiring in June 1990.
Gerry was currently attending CrossWay Community Church. In previous years, he was a member of the Christian Reformed Church. While at CRC, he served in various ways, as a Deacon, Elder, Church Council, Christian School Board, and a Boys’ Group Leader for Cadets.
Gerry enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, and spending time at their cabin in Montello, WI. Most of all, Gerry loved spending time with family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Gerry is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marjorie, his daughters Karen M. (Ronald) Knautz and Christine A. Clark, his four grandchildren, Nathan (Sarah), Jamie (David) Craig, Rachel (Eric) Chairez, Matthew (Cynthia) Clark and his seven great grandchildren, Chloe Marriott, Evan Knautz, Dylan and Nora Craig, Sebastian Chairez, Jackson Cyskowski and Audrey Clark.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his son Randy in 2025, a granddaughter, Rhianna in 2014, three sisters, Johanna, Ella Mae, and Dorothy, six brothers, Alfred, Clifford, Eugene, Harold, Francis, and Clarence Jr.
The family would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers. Special thanks to Aurora at Home Hospice, Supportive Home Care, and caregiver Stacy. You didn’t just supply dad with his medical needs; you comforted him, treating him like he was a personal family member. You brought a smile to his (and our) faces. We will never forget him telling you thank you and blowing you a kiss as you walked out the door.
Funeral Services for Gerry will be held on Monday, April 27th at 12:00 pm at CrossWay Community Church (13905 – 75th Street, Bristol) with full Military Honors following. Visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of the service at the church. Interment will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.
