Gerald M. Schmitz was born July 6, 1925 at Newman Grove, Nebraska to Matthew and Paulina (Driefurst) Schmitz. He died July 30, 2010 at the Golden Living Center in O'Neill, Nebraska at the age of 85 years.
Gerald joined the Navy on January 20, 1945, serving his country during World War II. He was recruited in Kansas City, Missouri and from there he went to Great Lakes, Illinois, where he received his basic training. Then he went to the Naval Construction Training Center in Davisville, Rhode Island where he learned his trade and was then shipped out for his Pacific tour. He then went to the Construction Replacement Depot at Camp Parks, California. Gerald was a motor machinists mate third class, SV6, USNR with the 116th and 31st naval construction battalions. He received his honorable discharge on April 9, 1946. Following his discharge he worked on the Fort Randall Dam at Pickstown, South Dakota.
Gerald was united in marriage to Sarah Davis at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Naper on April 3, 1948. To this union two sons and two daughters were born. They made their home in Naper. Gerald and Sarah owned and operated a produce station for twenty five years. Gerald sold Moormans feed for twelve and a half years and he also sold cars for Wayne Galyen of Atkinson. Gerald always had candy in the station and with him on his routes for the children. When he wasnt working you would find him busy in his garage remodeling old cars, refinishing antique furniture or reupholstering furniture. He loved to fish and served up many a fish fry at his home. Gerald was a member of the Naper Volunteer Fire Department until he moved to Butte in 1975. He also coached the local mens softball team and drove the Naper school bus. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Gerald was a member of the Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Butte; the Knights of Columbus Council #779 of Huron, SD; the VFW Post 8256 of Naper and the American Legion Post 0051 of Butte.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Myron James; an infant grandson, Mark James Schonebaum; his brothers, Joe and Edward; and his sisters: Regina Zeitner, Rose Warmen, Frances Whitley and Theola Fuhrer.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Sarah of Butte, NE; his three children: Dennis (Julia) of Huron, SD: Barbara (Loren) Nicolaus of Butte, NE; and Kimberly (Jeff) Schonebaum of Bonesteel, SD; eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren; his twin brother, Harold of Shawnee, KS; two sisters: Margaret Honke of Butte, NE and Mary (Ray) Fuhrer of Naper, NE; and sisters-in-law: Threasa Schmitz of ONeill, NE and Delores Schmitz of Lynch, NE.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Butte. Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery in Butte. There will be a rosary on Friday at 7:00 PM at the church. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 PM and one hour prior the service on Saturday at the church