Gerald "Jerry" Kleinschmit Jr.

Gerald “Jerry” Edwin Kleinschmit Jr., age 76, of Yankton, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Angelhaus East Assisted Living surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Thi Pham officiating. Burial will be in the Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Bow Valley, Nebraska at a later date. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Monday, January 12 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM. Visitation continues one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Pallbearers are Jerry’s grandchildren: Dylan and Mason Steffen, Christian and Brooklynn Gall, and Carter Teply. Honorary pallbearers are Jerry’s great grandchildren: Gaven Kleinschmit, Abaddon Gall, and a great granddaughter on the way.

Jerry was born on July 22, 1949 to Gerald and Irene (Pinkelman) Kleinschmit on the family’s farm near Bow Valley, Nebraska. Jerry grew up in a large family with six brothers and three sisters, and he was honored to be the one to carry on his father's namesake. He attended rural country school and began working at a young age. Jerry also enjoyed spending time on the family farm, and has told many stories about his adventures on the farm. On June 7, 1969, Jerry married the love of his life, Sharon Christensen, at Sacred Heart Church. Jerry and Sharon made their home close to his parents in Bow Valley and had 4 children: Douglas Sr., Shiela, Sherri and Geraldine. Jerry worked hard to support his family as an over the road truck driver, and worked the majority of his forty-year career at Marquardt Transportation. He was a dedicated, skilled truck driver who drove through rain, wind, and snow to always deliver. Dad, you fought a good fight, but now it is time for you to eternally rest in peace and join Mom in heaven.

Jerry is survived by his children: Douglas (Lori) Kleinschmit of Hartford, SD, Shiela Steffen (Todd Quatier) of Mission Hill, SD, Sherri Gall of Norfolk, NE and Geraldine (Tom) Teply of Yankton; his grandchildren: Douglas Jr., Lucus and Erik Kleinschmit, Lisa (Josh) Mayfield and Jeremy Meyer, Dylan (Darrah) Steffen and Mason Steffen, Sally and Nathan Quatier, Christian (Zoey) Gall and Brooklynn Gall, Carter Teply; great-grandchildren, Gaven Kleinschmit and Abaddon Gall; and siblings: Clinton (Chevonne) Kleinschmit, Eileen Kusel, Roman Kleinschmit, Dale (Sandy) Kleinschmit; two sisters-in-law: Connie Kleinschmit and Carolyn Kleinschmit; brother-in-law, Daryl Lammers and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Irene; wife, Sharon; father and mother in-law, Roy and Vlasta Christensen; sisters, Dorothy Tramp and Joan Lammers; brothers: Charles, Ronald, and Dennis Kleinschmit; sisters-in-law, Phyllis and Pat Kleinschmit; and brother-in-law, Jim Kusel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.