Gerald "Jerry" Matthew Smith

We met Jerry and Shirley many years ago through church and visited with them years ago in Arizona in the winter. They both were lovely people. My thoughts and prayers to all their family. Ann Johnston

He was my grandpa, my poppa, my hero and the best great-grandpa to my boys. He was the greatest man I've ever known. He will be greatly missed by us. I hope he found Nana up there and can see how much he meant to everyone. ❤

Jerry and Shirley were our nextdoor neighbors for a number of years at Woodcreek. They were both very special people, and we were so fortunate to have them in our lives. In his last (very special) letter he shared how difficult aging had become but was still his usual positive, upbeat self. As difficult as his loss is for all who loved him, he's now at peace. Thoughts and prayers to all his family. Carrol and Bob Kunkel and Andrea (Kunkel) Ramirez

Jerry was the first person I met when I interviewed for a position in the Dane County UWEX Dane County Office. He was kind, patient and supportive throughout the interview process, orientation to UWEX and our time together as colleagues. May fond memories of Jerry sustain you now and in the future. Peg Dart Thomas

Jerry Smith was the Personnel Director at UW-Extension who encouraged me to apply for the Manitowoc County 4-H Agent position in 1976. His professional and personal approach helped me feel like UW-Extension was the right place for me. After retirement, I got to know Jerry better when at an ESP Picnic, he recommended Sauk Gardens apartments as a great place to live for my father-in-law Howard. Jerry’s warm outgoing nature, quickly made Howard feel right at home. Jerry had a natural way of helping people feel like they belong. After my father-in-law passed, it was easy for me to swing by and give Jerry a ride to Cuba Kids meetings, where I enjoyed hearing his pearly words of wisdom. Jerry made a difference in the lives of everyone he met. He will be missed but his positive energy and many contributions to society live on.