Kenneth “Jerry” Smith, 80, of Eastman, WI, and formerly of Dunkerton, died Friday, May 30, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on D-Day, June 6, 1944, the son of Kenneth and Marshall Warren Smith, in Ft. Smith, AR. Jerry graduated from Dunkerton High School in 1962 and married Donna Mae Zingg on July 3, 1965, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. The couple was blessed with two daughters. Jerry owned Smith Electric in Dunkerton until his retirement in 2006 and then sold the business in 2007.

Having been born on D-Day, Jerry had a stubborn, fighting spirit who could do or build anything. He loved to serve his community. He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed fishing anytime and anywhere; his most favorite spot being the paradise he built on the Mississippi River in Wisconsin. Jerry was a lighthearted, hardworking man who could make you laugh with his jokes and sarcasm. He loved to tell stories. He recently told one of his nurses that “in all my days, it never took me so long to die,” yet his stubbornness seemed to prolong his life at the end. As a person who was troubleshooting professionally, he frequented the internet researching his various medications and side effects. He was dedicated to his family, especially in the care given to his daughter, Cindy. Though he never wanted to be the center of attention, he seemed to always manage to be the center of attention.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Donna, of Eastman, WI, daughter Christine (Chris) Ramanauskas of Brandon, FL, grandson Mark (Nina) Ramanauskas of Narvon, PA, and siblings Frank (Lynn) Smith of Indianola and Tami Smith of Florida. He was preceded in death by his daughter Cynthia Smith and his brother Alan Smith.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Jerry’s birthday, June 6, 2025, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo. Memorial contributions should be directed to the Dunkerton Historical and Tourism Association (dunkertonhistory.com) or Moments Hospice (momentshospice.com/Madison). Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.