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1927 John 2016

John "Jack" Smith

February 25, 1927 — May 18, 2016

John “Jack” Smith, 89, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 18, 2016.

John William Smith was born February 25, 1927, the oldest boy of nine children to Arthur and Mary (Laughrin) Smith in Bear Creek WI. From a young age his parents instilled a strong work ethic, deep appreciation of agriculture, and love of family as the core values of his life. Following graduation from St. Mary's and Bear Creek High School he attended the University of Wisconsin Life Science and Agriculture school completing the farm short course. He was drafted into the Army Core of Engineers during the Korean Conflict. Following discharge, he returned to UW Madison to complete the dairy short course. He had a dedicated 40 year career in the dairy industry both as a field man and in the lab for many dairies including Consolidated Badger. He went on to work in the distribution field for an additional 30 years. Throughout his career he had a love of socializing, no matter who he met he would find a social connection to a person or place he knew. He found great solace in spending time in his garden, tinkering in the yard, and watching wildlife. He had no hesitation to help anyone in any way he could. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.

He is survived by children John (Kris); Roseann; and William (Ashley) grandchildren Ryan, Jordan, Alaina; Jack and Tyler; sisters Elizabeth Greely; Rose Ella Popeck, Kathleen (James) Jacques; sister in law June Smith and many very special nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife Myrna (Schroeder) Smith, wife Anita Ann (Willems) Smith; siblings Anna Mae (Art) Scheel, Irene (Bob) Hoffman, Arthur, James, and Leo; in laws John (Jack) Popeck and Sewell Greely; nephew Christopher Popeck.

The funeral mass for Jack will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 23, 2015 at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 207 Tielky St. Bear Creek, WI, with Father Jack Mullarkey officiating. A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2016, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, 537 N. Superior St. Appleton, WI, and again on Monday at CHURCH from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com. A memorial fund has been established in Jack's name.

Jack firmly believed that by donating his body to medical science he could, in a very personal way, improve the health and lives of future generations.

A very special thank you to: Sara Meiers and nursing staff at FVHO for always believing in John's will to live; St Elizabeth Hospital's 3rd and 4th floor nursing staff for your support and encouragement; Kelly RN, Amber and Mary, CNA of Theda Care Hospice for your encouragement, compassion, and nurturing; Mary Pelkey for all her tender loving care so he could stay in his own home; and many friends and family for their visits, calls, and prayers. John appreciated all you did for him.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John "Jack" Smith, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Monday, May 23, 2022

9:00 - 11:00 am

St. Mary Catholic Church

312 S State St, Appleton, WI 54911

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Service

Monday, May 23, 2022

Starts at 11:00 am

St. Mary Catholic Church

312 S State St, Appleton, WI 54911

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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