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- Clarence A. Smitty Smits, loving husband, dad, grandpa and opa, Little Chute, age 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at Prairie Home Assisted Living in Menasha. He was born in Kimberly on February 10, 1928 to the late Arnold and Anna (Hietpas) Smits. Clarence served in the Army from 1950-52 and was a member of the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258. He married Geraldine Seidlitz at St. Willebrord Parish in Green Bay on June 29, 1957. She preceded him in death on March 10, 2011 after 53 years of marriage. He retired from Miller Electric on April 30, 1993. Clarence enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching the Packers and Old Fashions. He loved traveling, going to the West Coast twice and the East Coast in a fold down camper with the family. Later, he and Gerry continued their travels. They were involved in adult foster care for many years, opening their hearts and homes to multiple adults. He also enjoyed tinkering in his garage, playing cribbage and sheepshead and watching Titanic at Prairie Home. Clarence was a quiet and gentle man that cherished time spent with his family.
Clarence is survived by his children: Julie (Wayne) Gloudemans, Appleton; Steven (special friend Adrienne Lujan) Smits, Omro; and Kathy (Dan) Geenen, Kaukauna; grandchildren: Craig (Kim) and Curt Gloudemans, Amanda (Marshall) Wilkens, Marie (Brian) Olson, Katie (Ben) Schreiber, Ellie (Logan) Newhouse and Tony (Kelsey) Geenen; great grandchildren: Claire and Kendra Gloudemans, Grace and Rosalie Schreiber, Odin Geenen and Luna Newhouse; brother: Jerry Smits; and sister and brother-in-law: Evelyn Rambo and Dennis Hagen. He is further survived by other relatives, nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Geraldine, Clarence was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Mary Rose; grandson, Alex Geenen; sister, Rita (Joe) Reid; and sisters-in-law: Margaret Smits and Mary Beth Smits. He was also preceded in death by other members of his and Gerrys families.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 1:30 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. Mass will follow at 4:00 p.m. The Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen will officiate. Military honors, conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 will immediately follow. Committal St. John Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Prairie Home Assisted Living and Heartland Hospice for their patience and care of Dad for the past few years.
All the pain and grief is over, safely home in heaven at last.
He saw that the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. So, He closed you weary eyelids, and whispered Peace be thine.
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1928 - 2018 (90 years)
