Jerry F. Schmitt

CONNER - On Sunday April 26, 2009, Jerry Fontaine Schmitt entered into heaven on angels wings.

Jerry was born in Hamilton on August 1, 1972 to Jerry and Mae Schmitt. From a young age Jerry loved sports and the outdoors. He grew up in the Charlos Heights area and attended Darby grade and High School where he participated in wrestling and football. Jerry went on to attend the Vo-Technical College in Missoula where he received a Mechanics Certification.

Jerry excelled as a meat cutter with a talent matched by few. He was a hardworker with a special dedication to his craft that was obvious to all.

Jerry married his love and friend, Kris Sabo on July 18, 1998. The two of them lived in Hamilton and for a short time in Pennsylvania but later returned to their love, the Bitterroot Valley, where they put down roots in a home of their own. Jerry was a true outdoorsman. His passions included gardening, hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. He was at home in the mountains and loved to take drives with his family. He never hesitated to grab a backpack and go at a moments notice. Jerry also enjoyed long bow hunting and was a life time member of the North American Hunting Club.

Jerry shared his skills and enthusiasm for the outdoors with his nephews, Chico, Damon, Manny, Nick, and Matt by taking them fishing, hiking, and camping. He had a special place in his heart for his nieces Marisa, Samantha "Shiny Moon", and Abby. He truly was a "favorite" uncle to them all and spending time with them one was of his favorite past times!

On all his outings, Jerry was always accompanied by one or more of the "Kids", Hunter, Taz, Lady, Bo or Lilly.

Jerry was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Pauline Schmitt, and Caldwell and Anner Lee Gibbs.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Kris Schmitt, parents Jerry and Mae Schmitt, special Uncle James, sister Carol, and sister and brother-in-law Vicki and Rocky Rivera.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Nancy Sabo, father-in-law and wife, Orlan and Jenny Sabo, sister and brothers-in-law, Becky and Bob Devestine and beloved nieces and nephews. His also leaves his close friends Dave Weer and Allen Brewer and many other special friends and family members, who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to The Bitterroot Humane Society in honor of Jerry Schmitt.