On October 17th, 2023, Gerard (Jerry) Joseph Smithburg passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loved ones.
The seventh of ten children, Jerry was born in Murdo, South Dakota on April 11, 1958 to William and Georgia Smithburg. In 1972 Jerry's family moved to Oregon. It was here that he put down roots and lived most of his life.
He is survived by his three children, Carmen, Tonya, and Buddy, two grandchildren, Canella and Cyrus, two brothers, Thomas and Jim, and four sisters, Susanne Watson, Loretta Rea, Betty Srb and Tami Quakenbush. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, David, Kim and William.
Jerry loved Mustangs and Novas, Les Pauls and Stratocasters, pancakes and waffles, his friends and his family. If something had wheels, made noise, or grew in the ground, you could bet that he would be happy to give some helpful advice. Although he faced many significant challenges over the course of his life, he did so with an open heart, an unshakable faith in God, and love for his children.
A memorial will be held in Silverton at The Oregon Gardens at 1 p.m. on November 5th. Jerry will be laid to rest next to his beloved brother David in Bilyeu Den Cemetery, Jordan, Oregon.