Funeral Mass for Jerrold L. Schinze, 92, Lawrence, will be 1:30 pm Saturday, January 14 2023, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will be 11 am, Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Rd, Leavenworth, KS 66048.
He was called Jerry by his family and friends, but he had nicknames of Mr. Flashlight and Mr. Fixit. Jerry served in the US Navy for 4 years during the Korean Conflict. After the Navy, he worked for Union Pacific Railroad for almost 40 years ending his career as Mechanical Foreman in Topeka, KS. He acquired the moniker of Mr. Flashlight because he seemed to “magically” be able to diagnose and fix locomotives by using his flashlight. After retiring from UPRR, he worked for Laidlaw Transit in Lawrence, KS for over 10 years. Several neighbors in Lawrence called Jerry Mr. Fixit as he helped with their home repairs. Also, as a young man, he initiated a grassroots campaign to become a member of Missouri’s House of Representatives.
Jerry had a good sense of humor, although a little sarcastic at times. He enjoyed spirited conversations and storytelling. He was known for his original and colorful sayings. Very often, if not daily, he regaled others with stories about the Navy, UPRR, growing up in St. Joseph, Missouri; basketball, and his generations of Boxer dogs i.e. Henrietta, Milo Phineas Farnsworth, Brutus, Buck etc.
He had a love of basketball as a player, coach and fan. Jerry played basketball until he was 70 years including playing in the Senior Olympics in Texas. From 1960-69, he coached for O.L.G.C. CYO in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a huge fan of NCAA basketball especially K-State basketball. GO WILDCATS!
Jerry was an interesting, intelligent man. He was a proud American and Catholic. Family and friends will miss him. God can rely on Jerry to maintain the Gates of Heaven with his own special light.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Humane Society, Special Olympics, Autism Society or St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
