Jerome A. Schmittzehe

IN MEMORY OF: Jerome A. Schmittzehe Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – CAPE GIRARDEAU 829 North West End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, Missouri Jerome A. Schmittzehe, 88, of Cape Girardeau and life-long member of St. Mary’s Cathedral went peacefully to be with Jesus on February 11, 2026 after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family at Providence Hospice. Jerome was born June 17, 1937 in Cape Girardeau, the son of Hilary A Schmittzehe and Philomene “Minnie” B Jarosik Schmittzehe. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1955 and served six years in United States Army. He married the love of his life, Barbara Kirn, on January 12, 1963. They were married 61 years when Barbara gained her angel wings in February of 2024. Jerome was a self-employed decorator by family trade for 30+ years. He became a licensed funeral director in the early 1980s and was an active employee with Crain Funeral Home where he made wonderful friends. He worked at Jackson Wal-Mart in the lawn and garden department for 14 years loving the social interaction with customers. Jerome was a genuine and compassionate man who never found humor at the expense of others. He chose to look for the positive in situations, often finding humor even in difficulty. He was accepting of others and gave everyone the opportunity to be his friend. If you had the pleasure of knowing Jerome, you know he was always ready to tell an entertaining story or a joke. He had a wealth of practical knowledge and quietly passed it along to multiple generations. He was never concerned with having the spotlight — just tell him what needed to be done, and he would put in the work without hesitation. For many years, he helped those in need by providing and maintaining affordable housing alongside his brother and son. Jerome was an honorary life member of Knights of Columbus. He volunteered in several areas of the parish during his years as a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral; enjoyed years of being an usher at Mass and volunteering at the St. Mary’s Food Pantry where he truly enjoyed interacting with everyone he met. He spent many years as a boy scout leader for his sons troops and received the St. George Award in Scouting. Jerome enjoyed hunting, fishing, softball and family camping trips to Castor River. During Jerome and Barbara’s later years their lives revolved around their grandchildren’s activities. He is survived by two sons; Steve (Debbie) Schmittzehe of Cape Girardeau, Thomas (Lisa) Schmittzehe of Patton, Missouri and daughter Kimberly (Matthew) Melton of O’Fallon, Missouri; six grandchildren, Ashley (Don) Perry, Megan Schmittzehe, Samuel (Leah) Schmittzehe, Lydia and Abigail Melton, and Brian (Kim) Bollinger; six great-grandchildren, Ava, Wyatt and Maddie Perry, Adyson, Avagayle and Kamdon Bollinger; and one sister, Mary Orf of St Louis. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Hilary and Don Schmittzehe; two sisters Anna Marie Buelow and Dorothy Low. A special thank you to the staff at Providence Hospice for their compassionate care for Jerome and his family during these last 2 months. Visitation will be held Monday, February 16, 2026 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with Parish Prayers and Knights of Columbus Honor Guard leading the Rosary at 4:00 p.m. at Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Patrick officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given to St. Mary’s Cathedral Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Jerome A. Schmittzehe

June 17, 1937 - February 11, 2026