Gerald “Jerry” Schmitt, 84, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque with family and friends by his side.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:30 am Monday, November 13, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jerry will be 11:00 am Monday, November 13, 2023, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Gerald was born April 25, 1939, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Carl G. and Magdaline (Tigges) Schmitt. On September 11, 1965, he married Joyce Stecher at SS. Peter & Paul Church, in Sherrill, Iowa and they had a son, Anthony, and daughter, Kathryn.

He was a mechanic at many gas stations in Dubuque and the Avalon in Rickardsville. He then became a semi driver for the last 18 years before retirement. He drove for CRST, Pape’s  Key City Transport, and Northan, driving from coast to coast.

He enjoyed riding motorcycles, attending car shows, and restoring his antique cars, a 1939 Ford Coupe, a 1949 Packard, and a 1955 Ford Sunliner. He enjoyed trips around the U.S. with his family. He enjoyed hearing of the world travels of his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Joyce; his son, Tony (Janann (Tscharner)) Schmitt of Durango, IA; his daughter, Kat (Greg) Klauer of Davenport, IA; his grandchildren, Dawn (Tony) Herman of Hazelton, IA, Emerald Klauer of Glendale, CA, Sienna Klauer of Mesa, AZ, and C.J. Klauer, of Davenport; his great-granddaughter, Rose; his sister, Pearl (Noel) Stecher of Dubuque; his sisters-in-law, Loretta Behnke and Jeanne Stecher, both of Dubuque; brother-in-law, Joseph (Carol) Stecher of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, Aeigidius and Louise Tigges and Ben and Katherine Schmitt, brothers-in-law Victor (LouAnn) Stecher, Loras (Sue) Stecher and Alfred Behnke, sisters-in-law Lorraine (Clem) Aird, Mary (Alfred) Hirsch, and Eileen (Lawrence) Fisher.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Resurrection School, Dubuque Regional Humane Society, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family wishes to thank his friends and helpers at Stonehill for their friendship and care in his last years.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Jerry’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.