Jerome A. “Jerry” “Pete” Smith, Jr., 81, of Avon, passed away peacefully at the St. Cloud Veterans Affairs Community Living facility, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer, Aug. 27, 2024.
The Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Church of St. Benedict in Avon with the Rev. Gregory Miller, OSB, officiating. Interment will follow Mass at St. Benedict’s Cemetery in Avon. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Sept. 21 at the church.
Jerome A. Smith, Jr., was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, July 5, 1943, to Jerome and Marie (Bohmer) Smith. Jerome entered into the United States Army in 1965 where he served his country in Korea. In 1968, Jerome married the love of his life, Gloria Raden, at the Church of St. Benedict in Avon. They welcomed their beautiful, one and only, daughter Dawn into their lives in 1969. Jerome was discharged from the Army in 1967 and worked as a carpenter, home builder and handyman most of his life.
Jerome was a humble and simple man who spent his life giving more than he asked. He was the absolute best husband for 56 years to his wife, Gloria, and the most amazing father to his daughter, Dawn. He was their support system, provider of wisdom, encouragement and most of all always made sure they knew how much he loved them.
Jerome was an avid poker player, playing many hands of Little Red 44, Criss Cross and 5-Card Stud around many family dining room tables. It was a rare occasion for Jerome to show up at a family function without his money jar. He loved his annual deer hunting trip with the boys.
Jerome was a lifetime member of the Eastside VFW and Over the Hills Club of Avon. He volunteered many hours to the St. Benedict Funeral Group and delivered for Meals on Wheels.
Jerome is survived by his wife, Gloria; daughter Dawn (Jason) Ballard; siblings Margaret Budde, Joyce (Ron) Klein, Nick (Shirley) Smith, Jane (Vern) Schreifels, Rebecca (Charles) Arnold and Mike Smith; sisters-in-law Mary Smith, Diane (Terry) Pflipsen and Odie (Steve) Goward; brother-in-law LeRoy (MaryLou) Raden; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved pet, Rio.
Jerome was proceeded in death by his parents, sister Mary Kay Knoblach and brother Robert Smith.
Jerome will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to have known him.
As Jerome would say, “Remember to ante up. I ain’t playing for nothing.”
