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- Earl "Mike" Smith, age 78, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Mike was born on April 8, 1934 in Oneida, Wisconsin to Earl and Ella (Murphy) Smith. He graduated from Freedom High School in 1951. After attending the University of Wisconsin at Platteville, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture as a soil conservationist for thirty years and retired January 1, 1987. He purchased 20 acres south of Eau Claire, built a house and started Smith's Tree Farm. This hobby provided joy for many families at Christmas time.
Mike and Donna spent their winters in Arizona and met many special friends. Mike took pride in the lake house built in Birchwood, Wisconsin, which has become a place for his family to gather and enjoy. Mike hunted, fished, raised beef, enjoyed cooking, photography and family. He is survived by his wife Donna of 56 years and children Kathryn (Brad) Olson, San Ramon, CA., Dennis (Lisa) Smith, Colfax, WI., Janeen (John) Whelihan, Chippewa Falls, WI., Sandra (Michael) Drace, Hudson, WI., Robert Smith, Eau Claire, Michelle (Ben) Jacobson, Castle Rock, CO., Greg (Dr. Jennifer) Smith, Eau Claire and Gary (Dee Dee) Smith, Orlando, FL.
Grandchildren Kurt Olson, Makenzie and Parker Drace, Delaney and Jarett Smith, Isabella and Brett Jacobson, Caitlyn and Nicholas Smith, Chase Smith and Cameron Day. He was preceded in death by twin infant daughters, Karen and Kristy, his parents Earl and Ella (Murphy) Smith, brother Gerald (Dorothy) Smith, sisters Valeria (Clifford) Huss and Genevieve (Carl) Ziegler.
The family would like to thank all the St. Joseph's Hospice staff and Karen Olson for all their support in allowing Miketo remain at home. Funeral Mass will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Father Eugene Klink officiating. Visitation will be today, Monday May 7, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a 7:30 prayer service at Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Rd., Eau Claire, WI 54701 and 1 hour prior at the church on Tuesday. Inurnment will be in the St. Nicholas Cemetery in Freedom, WI on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of Flowers, memorials may be given to Sojourner House of Eau Claire, 448 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire, WI 54703 or Immaculate Conception Gathering Space, 1712 Highland Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701. To send the family online condolences, please visit www.fullerspeckienhulke.com. Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Rd., Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with arrangements.
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on May 7, 2012
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1934 - 2012 (78 years)
