Gerald (Jerry) was born in Buffalo, MN October 22, 1953, to Bob and Beverly Smith, but grew up in the city of Minneapolis due to his parents divorcing in 1959.  As the oldest of 3 boys, he learned to be an older brother rather quickly.

He attended Bryant Junior High School, then Central High School at which he achieved many awards in his ability in sports.  He found music, the arts in movie making in his spare time.

He found his future bride to be Claire Marie Scholtes who attended the vocational high school of Minneapolis through his best friend Leonard Saari.  They dated for 5 years until they decided to get married and try living in Spokane, Washington.  Not knowing to Gerald, Claire had just won a fixer up home.  Now giving up his commitment to his job at Sears in the Northtown Mall he moved on to parts delivery.  Claire worked full bore with her seamstress talents.  They both moved quickly to on the job of rejuvenate project "1018 Courtland".   Alongside parts delivery Gerald's work found himself learning plumbing, he was able to plumb their own house at a discount.  He loved to collect all kinds of things over his years, records, CD's, DVD's and postcards.  He loves camping, canoeing, and open campfires sing-a-longs.  Gerald was a true catholic and enjoyed watching his family grow to the full potential of their full catholic religion.  He is survived by his two sons Justin and Ryan, and two brothers David and John (Tracy).

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Xavier Catholic Church with an inurnment following at Holy Cross Cemetery.