Jerome Edwin Smith was born on January 20, 1969, in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, to Paul and Marlene (Kuehl) Smith. He was baptized on August 3, 1975, at the Jeffers Baptist Church. He attended elementary school in Jeffers then graduated from Storden-Jeffers High School in 1987. After graduation, Jerome continued his education at Southwestern Technical Institute in Pipestone, Minnesota, earning a certificate in meat cutting. Jerome then moved to Mankato and worked at Cub Foods for a few years as a meat cutter before moving back home to rural Jeffers.
Jerome was employed for 30 years with the Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic in Windom as the large animal manager. Despite never going to vet school, he was a trusted and valued “vet” for many area livestock owners. His passion for cattle went beyond work. Jerome was very proud of raising his own cattle herd with his children. His year at school in Pipestone was not wasted as he spent countless hours in the “meat shack” with his kids, brothers, close friends, and anyone else who was interested in meat processing. He loved teaching the lost art of meat cutting and often corrected people when they referred to it as butchering, saying, “I’m no butcher, I’m a meat cutter!” He was a member of the Cottonwood Cattle Producers and served on the board of directors for many years. You could often find him standing behind the grill at many grilling events. He also volunteered with local 4-H activities mainly with the Cottonwood County Fair and other livestock events. He was a member of the Dale Township board of directors where he served as the Superintendent.
On May 1, 1993, Jerome was united in marriage to Marcia Mayden at the First United Methodist Church. The marriage was blessed with two children, Dalton John in 1999 and Delaney Jo in 2003. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and farming. He loved being able to farm with his brothers and was looking forward to expanding the Smith brothers’ operation. Jerome was a long-time member of the Methodist Church in Windom where he was on the Board of Trustees for many years. He also enjoyed competing in the church softball league with his church family.
Jerome E. Smith passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Windom Area Health.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marcia Smith of Windom; son, Dalton (Hallie) Smith of Bingham Lake; daughter, Delaney Smith of Windom, MN; granddaughter, Libby Smith; mother, Marlene Smith of Windom; siblings, Dick (Gail) Smith of Jeffers; Paula (Greg) Pedersen of Miller, SD; Larry (Deb) Smith of Windom; Rod (Julie) Smith of Springfield; John (Jodi) Smith of Jeffers; father-in-law, Robert Mayden of Windom; sisters-in-law, Jerilyn (Salvador) Quintanilla, Jolene Stiglich (Jay Henrikson); and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jerome was preceded in death by his father, Paul Smith; mother-in-law, Elaine Mayden; and brother-in-law, John Stiglich.
Blessed be the memory of Jerome Edwin Smith.
A Celebration of Life Service for Jerome Smith, age 54, of Windom, was held on Saturday, July 29th at the Windom Methodist Church in Windom with Pastor Mike McInnis officiating. A private, family burial will be held at a later date in the Delft Cemetery in Delft, Minnesota.
The service will be livestreamed on the Windom Methodist Church Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.
Arrangements are under the care of the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Jackson. Condolences and memories of Jerome may be sent online to www.lacannefuneralhome.com.
