Gerald Petzold, 96 of Smithville, MO passed away December 10, 2017.

 

He was born on December 1, 1921 to Walter and Lula Mae (Sears) Petzold in Wyandotte County in Kansas City, KS, where he grew up and in 1939 he graduated from Wyandotte High School.  Gerry served his country in the US Army during WWII as an aircraft mechanic.  

 

Gerry retired from Cigna Insurance Company in 1984.  After his retirement he worked for over 20 years at Packs Hardware in Smithville.  He enjoyed listening to  country music and spending time with family and friends.

 

He came to faith in Christ in 1974 and attended Emmanuel Bible Church in Smithville where he served as a treasurer for many years.  In 2005 he joined Metro Baptist Church in Kansas City and he was currently attending Faith Baptist Church in Smithville.  

 

Gerry’s father passed away after being struck by lighting when Gerry was 12 years old.  At that time, he went to work delivering groceries after school to help support his mother and sister, continuing to take care of his mother until her death.  His strong work ethic continued until his health stopped him in December of 2014 at the age of 94.  
 

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Norma Jean Thompson and her husband Bob.

  

Gerry is survived by his nephew David Thompson and wife, Nelda, Smithville, MO; three great nieces, Charity Thompson, Smithville, MO, Faith Thompson, Aurora, CO and Hope Thompson, St. Joseph, MO; one great-great nephew, David Shane Thompson; other relatives and many friends. 

 

Funeral Service:  1:00 p.m. Friday, December 15th with visitation from 12:00-1:00 p.m. prior to the service at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.  

Burial:  Ridgely Cemetery, Ridgely, MO.

Donations may be made to the cemetery.