Jerome "Jerry" Paul Schiess Sr. Passed away June 27th at home under hospice care, at the age of 73 after a yearlong battle.
He was born on May 19th, 1947 in Chadwick IL. The son of Emil and Edith (Hess) Schiess. His parents would later divorce and his mother would remarry, John Burns. He attended and graduated from school in Rockford, IL. He met and fell in love with Della "Kathy" Jenkins and on June 12th, 1965 they were married, they had just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Together they would have 6 children and later adopt 1.
Jerry served in the US Army during the Vietnam War with the 75th Airborne Rangers and would later serve with The Big Red 1. In 1992 he completed his service with 25 years.
After retiring from the US Army, he and Kathy made their home in Missouri where he drove and operated his own truck and he drove for the next 12 years. After retiring from driving they made their home in Clay Center, KS. He will always be known to those who loved and respected him as a true Bad Ass! Over the years their house was never empty, their fridge was never bare, they always had an open door whether it be a Soldier, Family, or Friend. Everyone of their children's friends called them Mom and Dad. When Jerry wasn't working you could always find him with a pole in the water waiting for the big one, Or in the kitchen making his amazing spaghetti. If you met him, you knew you had a friend forever. His family meant the world to him, and he would always give the biggest hug and you never left him without hearing I Love You. Thank you to all his Brothers for serving next to our hero. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY! BRO: No Mission Too Difficult. No Sacrifice Too Great. Duty First.
He is proceeded in death by his sons Christopher and Robert Schiess, his parents Emil Schiess, Edith and John Burns. His In Laws Ralph and Dorothy Jenkins, Brothers Richard and Virgil Schiess, Sister Bev Ebner, and many Brother and Sister in laws, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years Kathy Schiess, Clay Center KS, Son Paul Schiess, Clay Center KS, Daughters Gina (Josh) Wagner, Watford City ND, Vikki Calbert, Springfield MO, Mindy (Bill) Walker, Canton OH, Son Bobby (Kim) Schiess, Manistee MI, 13 Grandkids and 10 Great Grandkids. Brothers Ron (Debbie) Burns, Cucamongo CA, Chuck Burns, Phoenix AZ, Bob (Betty) Burns, Monte Vista CO. Sister in laws Emma Cardey, San Antonio TX, Rose Lawler, Rockford IL, Brother in law Dave (Darleen) Jenkins, Wisconsin Dells WI, Brother in laws John (Barbara) Jenkins, Rockford IL, and Charles Pinkston, Longview TX. And many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.
The family would like to Thank the Meadowlark Hospice for their love and care for Jerry and caring so deeply for Jerry, Kathy and their children.
Memorial Services: Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Fort Riley
Burial: Kansas Veterans Cemetery Fort Riley, Manhattan, Kansas
Visitation: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 from 3-8 PM at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home. Face masks are required to attend.
Memorials: Disabled American Veterans c/o the funeral home
J