Gerald M. Smith Jr., 70

Gerald M. Smith Jr., 70, of Woodstock, passed away on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, at the Northwestern Hospital in Huntley.

He was born Feb. 28, 1951, in Evergreen Park to Gerald M. and Marjorie H. (Carlson) Smith Sr. He married JoAnn (Deady) Mitchell on July 2, 1994, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock.

Jerry graduated from St. Mary Elementary School in 1965 and Marian Central Catholic High School in 1969. He attended McHenry Community College and the University of Illinois-Champaign. He had worked for the Green Giant Co.; and was a Realtor with Gerald M. Smith and Associates; executive director of the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce; and a project manager at Fabric Images.

Jerry was very active in many organizations. He was a member and past president of Woodstock Jaycees, awarded the honor of United States JCI Senate number 36183, and held several chapter, region and state offices. He was a dedicated member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock and served as extraordinary minister, usher, catechist, chairman of That Man Is You men’s ministry, and chairman of Choice Wine. He served in the ministry program for married couples, and chaired a monthly Holy Hour for men. Jerry was a past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 776, past district deputy for the Illinois Knights of Columbus, and served as faithful navigator of the Bishop Boylan Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; children, Justin (Mary) Smith, Michelle (Jason) O’Leary, Karen (Roger) Trutsch, and Shaun (Jason) Will; his sisters, Diane (Sean) O’Donnell and Cheryl Hofweber; brothers, Tom (Mary Beth) Smith and Jeffrey (Rob Rodi) Smith; grandchildren, Bryanna, Kiara, Aiden, Sophia, Arthur, Mia, Anastacia, Andrew, Elaina, Lucia, Joseph, Teresa, Marianna and Zelie; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two nieces, Maureen O’Donnell and Jennifer Edgerton.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock. The Mass of christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave., Woodstock. Interment will follow in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Woodstock.

Memorials may be made to the Pro-Life Action League; St. Mary Catholic Church; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

For information, contact the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710, or visit slmcfh.com.