Gerald "Jerry" Schmoke

Gerald (Jerry) O. Schmoke, 97, of Traverse City died February 10, 2023, at Grand Traverse Pavilions.

Jerry was born February 26,1925, in Detroit to the late Raymond and Pauline (nee Auriet) Schmoke.
After graduating from Dearborn St. Alphonsus High School in 1943, Jerry entered the U.S. Army later that summer. He served from 1943-46, including time in the South Pacific on Morotai Island, where he was an anti-aircraft artillery gunner.
Following his discharge, Jerry attended the University of Detroit, courtesy of the G.I. Bill, where he earned both a bachelor's and master's degrees. Upon graduation, Jerry worked in the insurance industry in Detroit.
Jerry married Sally Jo Macken on March 2, 1957, in Detroit.
Jerry taught school for several years and then began a long career as a social worker with the state before retiring in 1993. He and Sally lived in the Detroit area, northern Michigan and Midland before relocating to Traverse City in 1996.

Jerry's life was one of service to others. He was a devoted volunteer for more than 25 years at the Father Fred Foundation alongside Sally. They were also members and volunteers at Christ the King Catholic Church. They enjoyed many years of retirement with family and friends. True to his lifelong giving nature, Jerry chose to have anatomical donation take place to the Wayne State University School of Medicine.


Jerry was predeceased by Sally after 63 years of marriage. He is survived by daughters Julie (Gregory) Thiess, Susan (William) Emerick and Nancy (James) Shay; grandchildren Christopher (Jennifer) Thiess, Carolyn (Keegan) Brennan, Matthew (Taylor) Emerick, Molly Emerick, Cullen (Kaitlin) Shay, Aelish (Trevor McGrath) Shay and Jack Shay; and great-grandchildren Caden and Blaine Emerick and Grace and Clara Brennan.

Jerry was also preceded in death by his brother Raymond and his sister Margaret Rivard.

A memorial Mass will take place at 11:30 am on April 1, 2023 at Christ the King Catholic Church:
3801 Shore Road Williamsburg, Michigan.

Jerry's family would like to thank the staff of The Cottages at Grand Traverse Pavilions and Hospice of Michigan for their kind and generous care.

Memorial contributions in Jerry's honor may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings St., Traverse City, MI 49686 or www.fatherfred.org . or to the Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation, 100 Pavilions Circle, Traverse City, MI 49684 or grandtraversepavilions.org.