John Smith, Jr.

John Smit, Jr. age 80 of Waupun, went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, January 05, 2011 at Harbor Haven Nursing Home in Fond du Lac.

John was born on July 6, 1930 in Fond du Lac County, WI, a son of John and Allie (Vande Slunt) Smit. He attended school in Lamartine, and following his education worked on the farm. On September 22, 1950, he was united in marriage to Clara Kresel at Pella Lutheran Church. John entered into service with the United States Armed Forces in 1952, and he served in Germany. Following his honorable discharge, John continued to farm near Waupun. He loved outdoor activities, and enjoyed time with his family at their cottage on Spring Lake. He spent many hours fishing with his children. After retiring from farming, John was employed with Waupun Utilities for eight years. He was also the groundskeeper for the Christian Home for many years. John enjoyed traveling, especially to Florida and California. Going to the Alto Fair with his grandchildren was also a highlight. John was a lifelong member of the First Reformed Church of Waupun and a member of the American Legion Post 210.

John is survived by Clara, his wife of sixty years; four children, Perle (Dale) Macheel, Randolph, Sharon (Eugene) Damsteegt, Calvin Smit, both of Waupun, Peggie (Brian) Roska, Brandon; thirteen grandchildren, Jeff Macheel, Stacy (Fred) Saeman, Jonathan (Jessica) Macheel, Jennifer (Jamie) Riesterer, Amy (Chris) Destache, Melissa (Joe) Reinhold, Tracy (Bob) Klentz, John Smit, Craig Smit, Caleb Smit, Cristina Smit, Jessica Roska and fiance Kenny Rasmussen, and Jeremy (Vicki) Roska; one step-grandson, Josh Roska; sixteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Joyce Vande Berg, Redland, CA; two sisters-in-law, Edna Smit, Waupun; Edith Smit, Brandon; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was met in heaven by his three brothers, William, Henry, and Delmar Smit; and his three sisters, Ann Aalsma, Dorothy Patrouille, and Gertrude Huizenga.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at the First Reformed Church, 422 West Franklin Street, Waupun. Rev. Bob James and Rev. Donald Boss will officiate. Burial will follow in Forest Mound Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 210 of Waupun.

John’s family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, January 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the First Reformed Church and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

A memorial fund has been established in John’s name.