Jerome R Smith

VERONA-Jerry (Jerome Robert Smith) age 72, from Verona WI completed his circle of life at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison WI surrounded and supported by his loving family. He was born at St. Mary’s on January 13th, 1943 and left this earth there on April 7th, 2015. Jerry graduated from West High School in 1961 and the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in 1966 with a Bachelors of Business Administration. On August 14th, 1965, Jerry married the love of his life and high-school sweetheart Kathy (Kathleen Marie McGarrity), whom he met on a blind date when they were 15 years old. Together, they had the light of their life, Sean McGarrity Smith in 1977. In his college days, Jerry worked weekends and summers at Fordem Co., a paper converting business. In 1966, he and his brother Jay joined forces and purchased the business: Jay selling sterilized paper products to various medical companies and Jerry running the production operations including fabricating machines and creating unique processes to produce the various paper packaging products. They sold the company in 1983. Next, Jerry also founded and ran American Walker Inc. which designed, built and distributed mobility solutions for the elderly. Jerry holds a patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the core product of this company. Tinkering with motors went beyond his business. One of his favorite passions was owning and tinkering with classic cars, boats and planes. Racing was in his blood from the first go-cart his father gave him: if it had 4 wheels and an engine, Jerry was “in.” In the 1970s, Jerry turned to his love of racing and took up owning stock cars. From stock cars he moved to midgets and open wheel racing. He and his drivers were successful both locally and on the National USAC circuit. Racing was a long-term hobby for him, his favorite driver (Jeff Gordon), who he has followed for years, once asked to test drive his midget. Jerry was a steward of 110 acres of land that he bought from the Frito-Lay company in SugarCamp, WI. It was his favorite retreat as a child and was delighted that he could share this paradise with his son Sean during his youth and adulthood. SugarCamp has always been his go-to-place for rest, relaxation and to be with his family and friends. Jerry is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathy (McGarrity), son Sean (Kaitie), two precious grandchildren Madeleine and Ian; siblings Judy (Duane) Richards, Jay (Patricia), and Jeffrey (Genevieve); brother in law Patrick McGarrity and sister in law Christie McGarrity. Also surviving him are nieces and nephews Leslie (Jeff) Nevens, Laurie Richards, Jason (Lori) Smith, Brynna (Michael) London, Vincent Smith, Claire (Brad) Green and Michael (Meg) McGarrity, as well as special “family” member Brenda (Peter) Mortenson. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Dorothy Smith, his mother and father in law John and Yotte McGarrity, brother-in law Michael McGarrity and niece Kaitlin McGarrity. A celebration of Jerry’s life is planned for May 5, 2015, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Nakoma Country Club, 4145 Country Club Road, Madison. In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials may be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank. The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation and thanks to the compassionate care we received during Jerry’s final days at St. Mary’s hospital. In particular, the care that we received from the physicians Dr. Dominski (Neurology), Dr. Marty (Palliative Care) and Dr. Habeeb (Hospitalist), RN Mandy and Chaplain Father Pat touched our hearts and helped us through the passing. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.