Gerald “Jerry” Smith passed on to glory on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 9 am, surrounded by his loved ones in prayer at his home in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Born September 28, 1941, he passed away peacefully at the age of 83.

He is survived by his two children Jeff & Michelle Smith, daughter-in-law Betty (Broecker) Smith, one sibling, Joyce Smith, a nephew, Tim Smith, and six grandchildren, Tyler & Abi Hummel, Kristin, Natalie & Kyle Smith and Nicole (Smith) Klassy.

Jerry was a man of deep and abiding virtues. He was a devoted Christian, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, an honorable Marine veteran, a passionate fisherman, a hillbilly at heart, a skilled gardener, a serviceable handyman, and a proud American.

Born and raised in Mount Vernon, IL, he had to struggle through the early decades of his life among poverty-stricken farmlands and coal towns in Southern Illinois, a region that he once pointed out was geographically farther south than Richmond, Virginia. He lived next to the Illinois Central Railroad, and spoke passionately of his affection for steam trains chugging by his house.

As a 16-year-old, he underwent a conversion experience in a southern tent revival, where for the first time in his life, he experienced acceptance, even in the humble clothing he wore. It fostered a faith that would follow him for the remainder of his life.

At the young age of 17, he joined the Marine Corp and traveled the world for the first and only time. He hitchhiked across the United States, trained in jungle warfare in the Philippines, and visited Okinawa, Japan, and Hawaii. He enjoyed the Philippines the most, preferring their simplicity over the expensive island fever lifestyle of Oahu. He liked trading military rations for fresh coconuts from the natives. This ‘wild phase’ in his life included getting a Marine tattoo, but soon after he swore off worldly ways and dedicated himself to good Baptist vices: half a liter of Diet Pepsi per day.

He lived out the American dream as well as any man alive, pulling himself up from a difficult start and transplanting himself to Northern Illinois where he became the first member of his family to go to college. He earned a teaching degree at Aurora University and a Master's Degree at Northern Illinois University. He became a passionate educator who taught elementary education in East Aurora for four decades. He loved children and became a father figure to many of his students who needed a positive influence in their lives.

He married Ruthi Hyllberg on October 19, 1964, moved into what would become the family home in Montgomery, IL and raised two children, often working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Jerry and Ruthi would become dedicated members and volunteers at Central Bible Church in Aurora. Jerry became a grandfather in 1995, with the birth of his first grandson, Tyler. Shortly thereafter, he retired from teaching, dedicating the remainder of his energy to fishing on Shabbona Lake or the Illinois River and caring for his ailing wife, who would pass in November 2019. He made his final move to Wisconsin in October 2022 to be near his children.

His tastes were often eccentric. He loved steak more than anything and frequently doused it in ketchup or A1 sauce. When steak wasn’t in the budget he would cook Cornish hens on the rotisserie with Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce and call it “delectable”. He ate breakfast at Vasili’s restaurant in Elkhorn 3-4 times per week just to visit with the friendly staff. He liked old westerns and gangster movies, and said “they don’t make actors the way they used to”. Among his favorites were Uncle Buck, Catch Me If You Can, Cheech and Chong, Rio Lobo, All Dogs Go to Heaven, Full Metal Jacket and anything starring John Wayne,.

In Spring 2023, he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis after a severe pneumonia hospitalization. He entered home hospice care August 2024, living out the final year of his life comfortably under the direct care of Tyler, Michelle and his beloved nurse Jessica Stobber.

On July 6th, he attended church for the last time at Berean Baptist and he enjoyed his last fishing trip July 20th on Lake Como with the Rugg family. On July 25th, he took a very sudden turn for the worse from an aspiration-related lung infection.

After a week visiting with family and loved ones, he spoke his last words on Friday, August 1, and went to sleep. He asked to be buried in his beloved overalls, which he wore almost every day, (except Sundays), telling his daughter that he was “going out in style.”

His favorite bible passage was 1 John 5 and he also held a special affinity for Psalm 23, which he and his wife memorized during an medical scare much earlier in life.

Jerry will be remembered by his surviving descendants and friends as a charitable, compassionate, Godly, and funny man who wouldn’t hesitate to help those in need, including multiple missionaries around the world. He was a blessing to everyone he met and giving gifts to others was his primary love language. He would leave the world the same day that his beloved sunflowers began to blossom in the hours after his passing -- one final blessing.

His celebration of life will take place at Berean Baptist, 5626 Safford Rd, Rockford, IL, on Saturday, September 6, 2025—visitation at 10:00 am and service to follow at 11:00 am.

                                                      May light perpetual shine upon him, and Semper Fidelis. Amen.

(Written by Tyler Hummel, Grandson)

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