Jerome J. Schmitz

On the evening of Tuesday, September 18, 2018 Jerome Schmitz passed away peacefully in his home in Newton surrounded by his close family and friends. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 1999. He was 76 years old.

He was born May 11, 1942 on the family farm in Baileyville Kansas. His parents were Silverius “Sap” Schmitz and Viola Bergman Schmitz. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School from September 1948 to May 1956 and St. Mary’s High School September 1956 to May 1960 in St. Benedict Kansas.

He enlisted in the Air Force out of Kansas City, MO on August 31, 1960 to May 1, 1964 and remained in the reserves until August 30, 1966. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. He completed special equipment training at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois.

After serving in the Air Force, he graduated from Wichita Technical Institute. He retired from Honeywell after 31 years as an Avionics Electronics Technician. He enjoyed tuning organs. He was an artist that favored the grid method. He loved to sing especially at church. He sang for friend’s and families’ weddings.

He married Terry Margaret Bernowich on November 25, 1972 in Newton.

He was preceded in death by parents Silverius and Viola Schmitz, his son Jerrod Schmitz.

Survivors include his wife Terry Bernowich Schmitz; sons Jason (Melody) Schmitz, Darren Schmitz, Chad Schmitz and Tristan Schmitz all from Newton; siblings Kathleen (Richard) Hylton Topeka, KS; Diane (Alan) Schultz Berryton, KS; Esther (Jack) Shattuck White Oak, TX; Marilyn Egan Topeka, KS; Cecilia (Elton) Olberding Seneca, KS; Michael (Linda) Schmitz Baileyville, KS; three step grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.

The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 7:00 P.M., Friday, September 21, 2018 with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, September 22, 2018 both at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The casket will be open at the funeral home on Friday between 1:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M.

A memorial has been established with the Parkinson Foundation, contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.