John E. Smits

John Smits, age 71, passed away at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton on Thursday morning, April 26, 2007. John was born February 28, 1936 in Appleton, son of the late John and Phyllis (Baumann) Smits. On June 5, 1957, he married the former Elizabeth “Liz” Smith at St. Paul Catholic Church in Combined Locks. He served as an usher at St. Paul’s for over thirty years. John loved woodworking, fishing, spending time at his summer place near Crandon, and spending the winter months in Alabama. He will also be remembered for enjoying word puzzles and for being an enthusiastic Packer fan, through thick and thin. For over thirty years he was a member of the Combined Locks Fire Department. During those same years, he worked as a service technician at Van Vreede TV and Appliance finally retiring from Miller Electric after working there for ten years.

John is survived by his wife of forty-nine years: Liz Smits of Combined Locks; three children: Sandra Lee (Richard) Bast of Sherwood; Kristie Jo Smits of Appleton; and James John Smits of Appleton; three sisters: Jane (Eugene) Romenesko of Little Chute; Carol (Hank) Wulterkens of Combined Locks; and Joyce (Jim) Williams of Hilbert; two brothers: Ken (Jan) Smits of Combined Locks and Florian (Grace) Smits of Winneconne; a brother-in-law: Edd (Karen) Smith of Combined Locks; three sisters-in-law: Phyllis Smits of Kimberly; Mary Jo Smith of Florida; and Theresa Smith of Florida; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. John was preceded in death by his parents, and by two brothers: Ron Smits and Clarus Smits.

The funeral liturgy for John will be held at 5:00 PM on Monday, April 30, 2007 at ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 410 E. Wallace Street in Combined Locks with Fr. Jim Lucas officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends directly at the church on Monday from 2:00 PM until the hour of the services.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to everyone at St. Elizabeth Hospital, but the very special people in the ICU and the 4th floor will always be remembered for their compassion and special care. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Jansen Fargo Funeral Home
204 E. Kimberly Avenue
Kimberly, WI 54136
920-788-6202