Walter Gerald "Jerry" Schmitz

Walter Gerald Schmitz known as Jerry, age 82, of Grants Pass, died Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at Three Rivers Medical Center.

He was born April 20th 1932 in Hastings, Nebraska. He joined the United States Navy in 1951, serving in the Korean conflict. After leaving the service, he worked in various fields of employment before going to work for the Los Angeles county sanitation district for 31 years. He began his retirement by moving to Grants Pass in 1990 where he and his wife built a home of their dreams.

Jerry enjoyed woodworking, gardening, creating digital stationary as well as being a computer technician.

In addition to his wife of 56 years Wilmeth Patricia Schmitz, survivors include his sister, La Vonia Colvin; his three children, Stephanie Shellhammer of California, Pamela Setzer of Oregon and Walter Schmitz of California; he is also survived by his 12 Grandchildren and 10 Great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Walter Edward Schmitz, his mother, Fern Schmitz and a sister, Romona Berardini.

Celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research hospital 501 st. Jude Place, Memphis,TN 38105.