GARLAND SMITH
February 15, 1933 - October 10, 2023
Obituary
Garland George Smith, son of Douglas and Marion Smith, was born on February 15, 1933 and passed away surrounded by family, on October 10, 2023. He married Edna Mae Smith (Schoepel), daughter of Irwin and Doris Schoepel, on January 9, 1954. They had been married for 64 years.
Out of high school Garland began working for Kimberly Clark in Neenah. Shortly after he started working for them, he enlisted into the Navy/Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. He served 4 years maintaining Corsair aircraft on most aircraft carriers of the time and traveled the world extensively. He loved reminiscing about his experiences with anyone interested. After being discharged, he returned to Kimberly Clark and worked in maintenance until he retired. In retirement he and Edna enjoyed motor homing with the Honey Bee Motor Home Club touring much of the U.S. and Canada and summers in Wisconsin with the grandchildren at Yogi Bear campsite in Fremont. Retirement was highlighted in 2014 with an Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington DC which for him was a truly moving experience.
He fought his numerous health battles with dignity. Never openly complaining and looking at each setback as a challenge. Despite his health, he always enjoyed visits with family, especially those with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, coaxing their interest with dollar bills, ice cream and his baked cookies.
He is survived by his four children, Steve (Shawn), Randal, Greg and Carrie (Russell) Carr; eight grandchildren – Sarah (Erik) Carlson, Ryan (Cierra) Smith, Joshua Smith, Jessica Smith, Jason Carr, Kristi Bradley, Kait (Jake) Vande Walle and Aaron (Amanda) Storts; along with fifteen great grandchildren – Taylor and John Carlson, Cameron, Kannen and Breyer Bradley, Kira Wichman, Dolly, Dennis, Rosco and Fancy Vande Walle, Remy and Zoey Smith, Corrah, Carmen and Wyatt Storts.
His surviving siblings are Donna (Harley) Kopitske and Perry (Veronica) Smith and in-laws Tom (Judy) Schoepel, Connie (Don) Stark and (Judy) Schoepel.
He was preceded in death by his wife Edna, brothers Don Smith and Devon Smith, sisters Marvel Buksyk and Beverly Smith, grandson Andrew Smith, brother-in-law Ron Schoepel, as well as in-laws Shirley and Richard Ruby.
Sincere thanks go to the numerous doctors, nurses and staff at Theda Clark, Peabody, and Rennes. Although for only a short time, special thanks to the staffs of Carolina Assisted Living and St Croix for their loving hospice care, compassion and patience.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, 900 Geiger St., Neenah. A visitation will be held at church from 9:30 am until the hour of the service. Entombment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established to benefit ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah.