Jerry Schnake serves as Young America’s Foundation’s volunteer trainer and coordinator at the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home. His love of Dixon, Illinois, and its local history drew him to the Reagan Home.

Jerry has lived in Dixon since 1963. He also lived in Woodland Hills California for 2.5 years pursuing a career in the music industry.

While in California he studied electronics at Pierce College in the San Fernando Valley.

Upon Jerry’s return to Dixon, he worked for Motorola Inc. as a field service technician. He retired after 37 years and also served as a tour guide at Dixon’s Northwest Territory Historical Museum, specializing in the Blackhawk War.

Jerry married his lovely wife, Venesa, 41 years ago. He had six children; four are living. He plays the drums on his worship team at church and loves music, boating, kayaking, Texas Roadhouse, history, and being on time.