Gerald George Schmidt

Gerald George Schmidt, lovingly known as Jerry, went home to be with the Lord on the morning of December 20, 2025. He was 87 years old.

Jerry was born on September 13, 1938, in Polk County, Wisconsin, to Marie and Leroy Schmidt. He came from humble beginnings—born at home in a clothes basket with a drawer used as a crib.

As a young man, Jerry enjoyed raising carrier pigeons and cruising the streets in his prized 1958 Chevy convertible. After graduating from high school, he joined the 32nd division Army National Guard and was called into active duty for a short time. Following his discharge, Jerry went to work driving a beer truck for Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery in Milwaukee where he worked for over 16 years while also bar tending. And then God dramatically redirected his life.

On November 7, 1971, at 10:30 a.m., Jerry encountered Jesus Christ. While attending a concert, singer Big John Hall told the crowd, “What do you have to lose? Try my Jesus.”, Jerry felt the Holy Spirit move in his heart. Tears filled his eyes as he cried out to God, “If you are real, I need help. I goofed up my life. Come into my life and save my soul.” From that moment on Jerry surrendered his life to Christ—and his life was changed forever.

Following his conversion, Jerry left his job delivering beer, began selling Amway cleaning products, went to Bible college and received his degree in divinity, and then stepped into ministry. He served faithfully in a variety of churches and mission work, including Morgantown Baptist Church, The Durham Rescue Mission and ended his career after ten years with the Good Samaritan Inn in Richmond, Virginia. Jerry was a prayer warrior who prayed daily for hundreds of people, especially his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Over the years he had put to memory copious amounts of Scripture including all of I, II and III John. Jerry was a passionate witness for Christ, sharing his faith with nearly everyone he met. Through both formal ministry and everyday conversations, he led hundreds of people to the Lord. He often said, “I’m going to heaven, and I just want to take a little crowd along.”

Jerry married Sandra Pease on September 16, 1961. They shared 45 years of marriage and raised four daughters together. On June 26, 2011, he married Sonja Orrock Schmidt, who survives him. Jerry resided in Richmond, Virginia.

He is also survived by his siblings Darlene Watson, Sandra White; his daughters Sue Clark, Faith VanLesser, Rachel Rose, and Rebecca Schmidt-King; his grandchildren John, Jacob,

and James Clark; Ethan, Brogan, Blake, and Caleb VanLesser; and Avery, Grayson, and Aiden Rose; and his great grandchildren Henry & Ellie Clark. Jerry was predeceased by Rachel and Danny’s baby boy, Jackson, who passed away in October 2022 as well as his brothers Roger and Kenny Schmidt.

Jerry was known for his quirky personality, bold faith, and wholehearted devotion to the Lord. When asked what he wanted shared at his funeral, his answer was simple: remind people that they must accept Christ before it is too late. He wanted Hebrews 9:27 quoted at his funeral, “It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment,” and humbly added, “I’ve tried to do my best to serve the Lord. I hope the Lord says, ‘Welcome home, son.’”

On December 20, 2025, Jerry met the Jesus he loved and served for 54 years. His faith has become sight. As his wife Sonja remarked, his death puts a whole new meaning to the song, “I’ll be home for Christmas.”

A visitation will be held at Woody Funeral Home on Tuesday, 30 at 10:15am, with a service following at 11am, finally interment to follow at Riverview Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pacific Garden Mission at www.pgm.org, in keeping with Jerry’s lifelong passion for sharing the gospel and serving the homeless.

True to Jerry’s heart and final wishes, the family invites all who read this to consider the hope he lived for. Jerry would want nothing more than for others to know the Jesus who transformed his life and offers salvation to all who call on His name.