Gerald “Jerry” E. Smith, 82, of La Porte, IN, passed away Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, at Miller’s Health and Rehabilitation in La Porte.
He was born Oct. 5, 1937, in Saint Joseph, MO, the son of Raymond T. Smith and Loretta M (Setchell) Smith.
Jerry retired in 2000 from Alcoa Howmet, working in sales. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He was a member of La Porte Elks Lodge 396, Knights of Columbus, and American Legion Post 83 of La Porte. Jerry’s biggest interest and passion in life was the Chicago Cubs. He was thrilled they finally won a World Series in 2016.
He married Donna L (Greenlaw) Smith on May 31, 1969, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, La Porte; she survives.
He is also survived by his son, Marc (Kathleen) Smith of Valparaiso, IN; daughter, Dana (David) Henderson of La Porte; brother, John “Jack” Smith and his wife Madeleine of La Porte; two sisters, Joan (Calvin) Cann of Huntley, IL, and Jean (Ron) Muhlethaler of Logansport, IN; seven grandchildren: Ashley, Katelyn and Zachary Smith, and Abigail, Emma, Isabella and David Henderson.
Gerald “Jerry” was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Loretta Smith.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 4-8 p.m. at Haverstock Funeral Home, La Porte. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Thursday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in La Porte with Father Kevin McCarthy officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, La Porte, with full military honors.
The family is inviting those attending the visitation to feel free to wear Chicago Cubs apparel in honor of Jerry’s passion.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C St., La Porte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.