Jerome A. “Jerry” “Pete” Smith, Jr.

Jerome A. “Jerry” “Pete” Smith, Jr., age 81, of Avon, passed away peacefully at the St. Cloud Veterans Affairs Community Living facility surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
The Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September 21 at the Church of St. Benedict in Avon with Rev. Gregory Miller, OSB officiating. Internment will follow Mass at St. Benedict’s Cemetery in Avon.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, September 21 at the church.
Jerome A. Smith was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on July 5, 1943 to Jerome and Marie (Bohmer) Smith. Jerome entered into the United States Army in 1965 where he served his country in Korea. In 1968, Jerome married the love of his life, Gloria Raden at the Church of St. Benedict’s in Avon. They welcomed their beautiful, one and only, daughter Dawn into their lives in 1969.
Jerome was discharged from the United States Army in 1967 and worked as a carpenter, home builder and handyman most of his life.
Jerome was a humble and simple man who spent his life giving more than he asked. He was the absolute best husband for 56 years to his wife, Gloria and the most amazing father to his daughter, Dawn. He was their support system, provider of wisdom, encouragement and most of all always made sure they knew how much he loved them. Jerome was an avid poker player, playing many hands of Little Red 44, Criss Cross and 5-Card Stud around many family dining room tables. It was a rare occasion for Jerome to show up at a family function without his money jar. He loved his annual deer hunting trip with the boys.
Jerome was a lifetime member of the Eastside VFW and Over the Hills Club of Avon. He volunteered many hours to the St. Benedict’s Funeral Group and delivered for Meals on Wheels.
Jerome is survived by his wife Gloria, daughter Dawn (Jason) Ballard; siblings, Margaret Budde, Joyce (Ron) Klein, Nick (Shirley) Smith, Jane (Vern) Schreifels, Rebecca (Charles) Arnold and Mike Smith; sister-in-laws, Mary Smith, Diane (Terry) Pflipsen, Odie (Steve) Goward; brother-in-law, LeRoy (MaryLou) Raden; many nieces and nephews and his beloved pet, Rio.
Jerome was proceeded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Kay Knoblach and brother Robert Smith.
Jerome will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to have known him. And as Jerome would say, “Remember to ante up, I ain’t playing for nothing!”