Howard J. Smith

Howard J. Smith, age 73, passed away Friday December 18, 2009, at his residence. Howard was born in Park Falls, WI, on December 14, 1936, son of the late George and Blanche (nee: Rozell) Smith.

Howard served in the United States Air Force from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1957. On November 27, 1957, in Alma Center, WI, he was united in marriage to Jean Gilbertson. They then moved to Racine where he was employed with Belle City / Racine Steel for forty years until his retirement. Howard then worked for Mac’s Towing, Jensen Towing and Floyd’s Towing until finally landing his dream job, driving a charter bus. He always enjoyed driving whether it was a tow truck, motor home or a bus. Howard will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-two years, Jean; his children, Vickie Smith, David (Wendy) Smith, Shari Smith; grandchildren, Matt (Ann) Bohlman, Kevin (Erin) Suominen, Chris (Lindsey) Suominen, Andrew Suominen, Alexis (Richie) Smith, Adam (Rachel) Smith, Melissa (Mike) Briggs, Monica (Jamie) Godlewski, Marcus Godlewski; five great-grandchildren, Mya and Kaelyn Suominen, and Samantha, Savanna and Landen Briggs; sisters, Helen Stalheim of Whitehall, Mary (Howard) Duerkop of Hixton; brothers, Charles (Doris) Smith of Florida and John (Jeane) Smith of Black River Falls; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Jane Schmidt, Sandra Blackdeer, Richard (Sandi) Gilbertson, all of Merrillan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Howard was also preceded in death by his two sisters, Edith and Shirley; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sherdan and Cathryn Gilbertson; and his brothers-in-law, Bill Gilbertson, Allen Cormican and Chet Schmidt.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 23, 2009, at 9:30 a.m., with Rev. Brad Van Fossen officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home Tuesday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until time of services.

There are no words to express the special friendship that Todd and Wendy Bush have given to our parents. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Mullane, Hospice Alliance, especially Mary, Terry and the nurses and CNAs on 2D at All Saints.

MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine 262-634-7888