DELAVAN – Jerald “Jerry” W. Smith, age 81, of Delavan passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 after a brief battle with cancer. He was born to Manuel and Viola (O’Donnell) Smith on July 8, 1938. Jerry was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Eleanor Garber on November 8, 1957. The couple moved into their home which Jerry built and where they lived for the rest of his years. Jerry was a journeyman carpenter then worked in commercial construction management. He was a member of the Harvard Moose Lodge, Amateur Trapshooting Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the NRA.
Jerry was an avid nature lover and sportsman. He particularly enjoyed hunting in Wisconsin and Wyoming. Jerry also loved traveling, fishing, snowmobiling, and ATV/UTV. He meticulously organized the extensive collection of photographs that he took to document his discoveries in nature, from flowers to scenic skies, and the many journeys travelled with Eleanor. Jerry devoted great effort to the upkeep and maintenance of their home and landscaping in which he took great pride.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Eleanor; daughter-in-law, Donna Mae Vondra of Stoughton, WI; grandson, Gabe (Nandy) Vondra of Johnson Creek, WI; great grandson, Alex Vondra of Johnson Creek, WI; and three nieces, Karla (Dennis) Kelly of Suffolk, VA, Marcia (Steve) Labutski of Big Bend, WI, and Paula (Dean) Smith of Darien.
With his passing, Jerry is reunited with his only son, Michael; both of his parents; and his only brother, Marvin Smith.
A Private Family Interment will be held at Darien Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Dream Foundation in Santa Barbara, CA.
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