Jerome V. (Jerry) Schmidt, 85, joined his wife, ‘Jo' Schmidt and daughter, Jennifer in death, on August 19, 2012 at Hays Medical Center in the presence of family.

Jerry was born, 1 of 13 children, on July 31, 1927 in Catherine, Kansas to Paul and Catherine Schmidt. He married Josephine (Jo) Leiker on October 6, 1948 in Ellis, Kansas.

Survivors include his daughters Susan Schilling with Thomas Harnett of Cape Cod, MA, Rebecca Simmons and husband, Jerry, of Charlotte, NC, Ruth Mermis and husband, Douglas, of Hays, Joyce Gresh and husband, Billy of Cape Cod, MA and Brenda Meade and husband, Hugh, of Johnston, IA. He also leaves 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Jerry served his country in the United States Army during WW II.

He attended St. Joseph's Military Academy and Marketing Petroleum Institute. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and Toastmasters. He was a member of Smoky Hill Country Club and was an avid golfer and card player. He was a student of family history and built a complete miniature replica of Catherine, Kansas, which he donated to FHSU Forsyth Library.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW and American Legion will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call from 6:00 until 8:00 pm on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 9:30 on Thursday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine. A combined Knights of Columbus Council #1325 and Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 6:30 on Wednesday followed by a parish vigil service at 7:00. Memorials are suggested to the Jerome V. "Jerry" Schmidt memorial fund in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com