William Jerome “Jerry” Gosch, Sr.

William Jerome “Jerry” Gosch, Sr. was born prematurely in Hallettsville, Texas, on April 11, 1944, and passed away unexpectedly on November 21, 2025 at 81 years of age.

Jerry loved God. Jerry loved family. Jerry loved horses.

In his younger years, he served as an altar boy when services were still held in Latin. After marrying, he and his family were in church every Sunday. He especially enjoyed attending and supporting church picnics and auctions throughout the area.

Jerry was a man of his word. He said what he meant and meant what he said. If he liked you, he liked you — and you knew it.

He was an expert crane operator and could run any kind of dirt-moving equipment without the conveniences of modern technologies yet still be perfectly on target. Jerry was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers for 58 years.

In his work, he was often there when a job began and still there when the job was finished. Some of his work projects included Interstate 10; George Bush Intercontinental Airport; the Frost Bank building in Austin; the round headquarters building at the former Bergstrom Air Force Base (now the Hilton Hotel at ABIA); the Alcoa Aluminum Plant in Rockdale; and the construction of Fayette Lake and the Fayette Power Plant outside of La Grange.

A true horseman, Jerry inherited his love for horses from his dad. He received his first saddle — a handmade Buck Steiner — at the age of 11 and used it throughout his life. In his youth, he rode his horse from the country to CCD classes. He broke horses for others, owned many of his own, and even met his future wife while taming a horse no one else could ride — a horse belonging to the man who would later become his brother-in-law.

Jerry and his wife enjoyed traveling, exploring other states, and meeting new people. His genuine charm and natural charisma drew people to him wherever he went.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy; three sons, Joe (Susan), Alfred (Shelly), and Jerry Jr. (Tracy); and nine grandchildren: Audra, Lilah, Scarlett, Luke, Ethan, Adam, August, Trey, and Emma. He is also survived by extended family and many friends from all walks of life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bessie Gosch; his brothers, Alfred and Eugene; his stepmother, Arlene; and several close extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s memory to AMEN Food Pantry in La Grange or to a charity of your choice.

Visitation will begin at 5:00pm and the Rosary will begin at 7:00pm on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Marrs Jones Funeral Home in Smithville, Texas.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flatonia. Viewing will be from 9:25am to 9:55am and the service will begin at 10:00am. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Flatonia.