Gerald Alois Schill, 86, of Campbellsport, passed away April 4, 2024, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Ashford on November 5, 1937, to Cornelius “Corney” and Rose (Neumeyer) Schill. By the age of 8 he was washing cars, sweeping floors, and surely causing a little mischief at his dad’s Ashford Service Garage. In 1947, the family moved to Campbellsport, bringing the business with them, opening Schill Motor as a Chevrolet and Buick dealership. To the end, Jerry could name off a parts number, and kept his daily tradition of a soda and a candy bar.
Jerry served in the Army from 1956 to 1958. Upon returning, he married Mary (Salter) Schill on July 2, 1960. Together they celebrated 56 years and the births of their 5 children. He loved to play cards with their friends, watch their kids and later grandkids play sports, and occasionally enjoy a brandy old fashioned with 3 “tree” cherries.
After retiring, Jerry filled his days with the love of gardening. He maintained meticulous flower beds, he planted over 100 flower pots of annuals every year, and found time to pursue his love of wood working. When he was ready to “take the day off” he loved to rummage, finding the “knicky-knacks” he’d spend hours arranging. His love of Christmas probably started in childhood when he would paint the store windows throughout town with beautiful scenes.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents, Cornelius and Rose Schill; his in-laws, Ray and Valeria Salter; infant brother, Richard; his brother and sister-in-law, Gordon and Georgene Schill; his sister and brother-in-law, Dolores and Donald Sklener; his brother-in-law, Jack Salter; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sheila and Allan Engel.
He is survived by his children, Timothy (Mollie), Thomas (Julie), Theresa (Chris) Lewzader, Todd, Troy (Lottie); his 11 grandchildren, Tyler, Trevor (Melissa), Tate (Bridget), Casey (Eva), Zachary, Wesley (Nathalia), Bryanna, Joshua, Carissa, Ellysa, and Lincoln; 8 great-grandchildren, Tuscan, Tessa, Tia, Hannah, Silas, Esmae, Stetson, and Ophelia; a sister and brother-in-law, Majorie (Donald) Miller; a sister-in-law, Carol Salter; and many nieces and nephews.
A Catholic mass will be held at St. Matthews Church in Campbellsport on Friday, April 19, at 4 p.m. A dinner will follow. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Hospice Home of Hope.
The family would like to thank the Hospice Home Care providers and the staff of the Hospice Home of Hope. The exceptional loving care you provided to our father will never be forgotten. We would also like to thank the incredible neighbors Jerry had over the years, who shared newspapers, lawn work, and the mandatory Hamms and candy bar.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4
With Dad and Mom both in Heaven, the family you created would like to thank the Spirit in both of you that has given us the gifts you taught us were important in life. We want to thank you for always being there for us no matter the time or day. We all will be forever grateful and continue the giving of gifts in your legacy.
Twohig Funeral Home is serving the family with online guestbook and condolences at www.twohigfunerals.com.