Gerald Smith

Gerald “Jerry” M. Smith, 85, of Broomfield, CO, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 12, 2020, in Lafayette, CO. Jerry, the son of George W. and Gladys (Kariger) Smith, was born in Hershey, NE and raised in Curtis, NE.

Jerry was an avid sportsman who loved fishing and hunting. He had fond memories of the countless hours he spent fishing and hunting with his son, his wife and all of the different trips he took with so many people he called friends. He carried this passion on to his son and daughters. He was honored to be awarded the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Master Angler Award. He and his son also won a photo contest with a great story, earning them the Diawa Award with the Western Outdoor News. These are just two of his numerous awards and accomplishments pertaining to his passion.

Jerry was a sports fanatic and loved watching the Rockies, Broncos, Nuggets and with Nebraska being his home state, enjoyed being able to catch a Cornhuskers game on TV every now and then.

He was drafted into the Army in September of 1958, and was stationed in several different states. After he completed his military duty, he and his first wife settled in Boulder for a few years and eventually made their permanent home in Broomfield in 1967.

His first job after the military was working in the Sporting Goods Department of Montgomery Wards in Boulder. That first store had a green awning over its front and was on the Pearl Street Mall. After 22 years with the company, he was ultimately one of two District Managers. He oversaw all of the Sporting Goods, Appliance, and Audio/Visual Departments for the Wards stores throughout Colorado and several other states.
Jerry chose real estate as his second career, which spanned another 25 years. He and his wife Judi, were both real estate brokers in the Broomfield area, serving the community and making many lasting friendships.

In his later/retired years, nothing made him happier than to spend time grilling out on his deck with his family, while sharing stories, songs, and laughter together.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Arlene Kirk, his parents, three sisters; Georgia, Dorothy, Kathrine; one brother, Robert Smith; and his son-in-law, Michael Battiato.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Smith of 38 years; son, Bradley (Laura) Smith; daughters, Julie (Terry) Bender, Jana (Jeff) Mueller, and Jodi Trujillo; eight grandchildren, Ashley (Chad) Bender Lamb, Adam Bender, Tyler (Heidi) Chameroy, Amber Battiato, and Matthew, Britni, Isaac and Sara Trujillo; and an older brother, Kenneth (Shirley) Smith.

Due to Covid circumstances, Jerry’s Celebration of Life will be held later this summer, when friends and family can safely gather together.