Ronald L. Smith, 75, of West Bend, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at his home after a six month battle with cancer.
He was born on October 30, 1937 in Sheboygan to the late James and Rose (nee Ardts-Parman) Smith. Ron graduated from Central High School, Sheboygan, in the class of 1955. He then served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958 and was stationed in Germany. He worked as a sheet metal journeyman for many years and was employed by Ted Kuck Company and Aldag Sheet Metal in Sheboygan and later was employed as a shop foreman at Zien Plumbing and Heating in Milwaukee, until retiring in 2000.
Ron was united in marriage to Mary Johnson on September 10, 1960 at St. Dominic's Parish in Sheboygan. Mary passed away in 1991. He then was united in marriage to Carol Cook-Steinmetz of West Bend on October 23, 1993 at Immaculate Conception Parish in Sheboygan. Following their marriage, Ron and Carol lived in West Bend.
Ron was a member of St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Parish in West Bend and Sheet Metal Workers Union Local #18. He enjoyed collecting model cars, going to car shows, and golfing in the Wednesday Men's League at Arrowhead Golf Course. Ron especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events, concerts and recitals.
Ron is survived by his wife, Carol; four children, Jackie (Brian) Hasenstein of Sheboygan, Chris (Michael) Friese of Appleton, Jeff (Cary) Smith of Cleveland, and Michael (Tina) Smith of Green Bay; three step-children, Greg (Chris) Steinmetz of West Bend, Bobbi Jo (Scott) Kuklinski of West Bend, and Mark (Dawn) Steinmetz of West Bend; 17 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Mary, and a brother along with his wife, Donald & Lois Smith.
Mass of Christian Burial in remembrance of Ron will be held on Friday, August 16th at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish, (1305 Humboldt Ave.), Sheboygan. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Sheboygan. Visitation will be at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, (1315 W. Washington St.), West Bend, on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church in Sheboygan on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.
A memorial fund has been established in Ron's name.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nursing staff of The Kathy Hospice, especially Katie, Krystal, and Amber for the loving care Ron received during his illness.