Jerome "Jerry" V. Schwenk, 68 of East Springfield, passed away on Thursday December 1, 2016 at St. Vincent Health Center.

He was born January 20, 1948 in Erie, a son of the late Perry and Evelyn (Gruver) Schwenk

Jerry graduated from Tech Memorial High School in 1967. Following high school he was inducted into the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was deployed to Vietnam with Alpha Co., 5th Battalion, 11th Infantry Division. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal w/star, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device, The Combat Infantry Badge and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/palm. When discharged he volunteered for Reserve duty and was proud of his service in Erie in Supply as a Sergeant First Class at the Reserve Center.

Following his return from the Vietnam War he worked at Reed Mfg where he worked as a machinist and later at Dodsworth Trucking in Erie for many years.

He was a member of the VFW post #4965 in Springfield and enjoyed watching NASCAR, and was an avid Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr. fan. His favorite memories include hunting with his son in earlier years, and most recently getting together with his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his infant brothers, Ronald and Arthur, and Corky and Mickey Schwenk and a sister, Evelyn "Snooky" Kinsey.

Jerry will be greatly missed by his family which include his daughter, Tracy Schwenk-Earley, a son, Jerry Schwenk (Debbie); his special friend, Terri Anderson; two sisters, Jackie Scutella, Darlene Schwenk; a sister in law, Carol Schwenk; a brother, Skip Schwenk (Laura), his former wife and friend, Patricia Willey; his grandchildren, Tyler, Morgan, Twins, Ethan and Sarah and several nieces and nephew

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at the Girard American Legion Post #494 on Sunday at 2PM. With Rev. Jim Rimmer officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box, 75817, Topeka KS, 66675

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Edder Funeral Home, 309 Main St. East, Girard.

Final interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery.

To send condolences visit edderfuneralhome.com

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