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- John (Joe) Smits, 68, Pulaski, passed away at home with his loving family at his side on Friday, June 6, 2014. He was born in Green Bay on Sept. 2, 1945 to the late Marvin and Dorothy (Van Sistine) Smits. Joe graduated from Abbott Penning's High School and NWTC. Joe met his lifelong "tobogganing" partner (Julie Mineau-Smits) 52 years ago, before he had even spoken a word to her he told a friend, "I am going to marry her" and in February they celebrated 47 blessed years of marriage. Joe was employed as a journeyman machinist at C.A. Lawton Co. for 41 years retiring 10 years ago.
Joe was a dedicated family man and loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Whether spending time Up North fishing with his son, or hunting with "his Boys" or sitting on the swing watching his grandkids, enjoy the lake, his grandkids (and all the kids) were truly the light of his life. Wherever the group gathered, that's where he wanted to be. Joe loved living in the country and all that it offered especially his garden. He loved to watch his daughters show horses, and more recently his grandsons show steers and pigs at the fair. He enjoyed "tinkering" with his Allis Chalmers tractors, watching and feeding the birds, and watching the many animals the family shared.
Survivors include his wife, Julie Smits, Pulaski; children and grandchildren, William "Bill" (Bonita Nooyen) and daughter Amy; Nora (Dan) Scray, Pulaski, WI and their children Spencer, Parker, and Carter; Joanne Smits, Pulaski, WI; brothers and sisters-in-law, Al Martens, Allouez; Sue (Bob) Schmitt, Ashwaubenon; Jean (Larry) Tenor, DePere; Jane (Roger) Tenor, DePere; Linda (John)Tourville, Abrams; Louis (Holly) Mineau, Beloit; Mary (Brian) Bandow, Stevens Point; Lois Mineau, Minneapolis MN;
Kris Ingalls, grandson of choice, Pulaski; 26 nieces and nephews each of which held a truly special place in Uncle Joe's heart; numerous great nieces and nephews and one great great niece; godchildren, Scott Martens and Pete Van Sistine. Further survived by aunts and cousins of the Smits and Van Sistine families.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Dorothy Smits; one sister, Mary Martens; his in- laws, Louis and Mildred Mineau; aunts and uncles.
A Celebration of Joe's Life will be held at the Pfotenhauer Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Howard-Suamico location, 1145 Cardinal Lane, on Tuesday, June 10 from 4 until 7:00 p.m. Online condolences welcome at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers the family prefers live plants to be planted in a memorial garden. Memorial fund is established at the funeral home for Green Bay Metros Special Olympics.
The Smits family would like to thank Amber at DaVita Dialysis Clinic on Riverside Dr., for all of her support and professionalism. Words can't express how much you are appreciated. Thank you to the team of doctors at Aurora for the care that was provided.
We also would like to say thank you to Dave Neizpodjany, Dan Scray, and Doug and Dawn Wilinski for being Joe's "buddies", your friendship, unconditional love and support is like none we have ever known. Joe was both blessed and lucky to have you in his life as are we his family.
We would like to thank all of our family and friends for your unconditional love and support! Thank YOU!
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1945 - 2014 (68 years)
