Jerome "Jerry" V. Schwenk, 68, of East Springfield, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2016, at St. Vincent Health Center. He was born on 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 U.S. 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 with star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device, The Combat Infantry Badge and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with 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 and 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 2 p.m., 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. Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits