Thomas G. "Jerry" Schmaltz was born on September 7, 1945, in Minot, North Dakota. He moved with his parents, Donna Marie (Baker) Schmaltz and Thomas John Schmaltz, to Vancouver, Washington, in the early 1950s. He is the oldest of five siblings. Jerry graduated from Fort Vancouver High School in 1963.

After graduation, Jerry served in the United States Army, earning his Airborne badge before being transferred to the 45th Station Hospital in Vancouver. In this reserve unit, where he performed X-rays and EKGs until his discharge in 1967.

Jerry married the love of his life, Sandra K. Jurgens, in 1966 at St. James Catholic Church in Vancouver. Together, they raised three children and were blessed with five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Jerry and Sandra shared 47 years of marriage until her passing on September 24, 2013, one day after her 66th birthday.

Jerry worked in and around construction beginning at the age of fourteen. His first union position was as a laborer with Local 335, and he later transferred to Carpenters Local 1715. In the summer of 1971, he founded Con-Form Construction Co., a concrete construction company he operated until around 2005. In the mid-1970s, he also co-founded a real estate company, Cricket Realty.

In 1981, Jerry established Precision Rebar Inc., which continues to operate today under his son's ownership.

In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and going to Ducks Unlimited events. He was an active member of the Southwest Washington Contractors Association, serving as its President in 1980. He was their auctioneer for many years. He was a longtime member of the United States Power Squadron, serving as Commander from 1982 to 1983. He also contributed extensively to the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, serving on multiple committees and as President of the Pacific Northwest Chapter from 1997 to 2000—a region encompassing nine states and three Canadian provinces. In Jerry's Older years, he liked taking his boat around to Canada/Alaska, and other places in Northern Washington. He enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and going to the casinos.

A dedicated boating enthusiast, Jerry was a member of the Tollycrafters Northwest, where he served as Commodore in 2021.

Jerry is survived by Melissa, Tom (Spouse Lisa), and Robyn (Spouse Kody). 5 Grandchildren, Courtney, AnnMarie, Aarica, Ashley, and Alisha. 3 Great Grandchildren, Savannah, Everett, and Benji, along with two brothers and sisters.

Jerry will be remembered as a hardworking craftsman, devoted family man, passionate outdoorsman, and a dedicated member of his community. His legacy lives on through his family, his business, and the countless lives he touched.

Viewing will be on Wednesday, December 17th from 10am to 4pm at:

Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, Inc.

302 W. 11th Street

Vancouver, WA  98660

His funeral will take place at St. James Catholic Church in Downtown Vancouver on

Thursday, December 18th at 10 am.