Joseph J. Smet

Joseph J. Smet, 92, of Sherwood passed away on Saturday March 18, 2017.

Joe was born on June 17, 1924 the son of Peter and Katherine (DeBuekler) Smet. He married Cecilia Schuh on April 8, 1949 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Freedom, and enjoyed 68 wonderful years of marriage together. Joe was raised on the family farm on the north side of Kaukauna, and learned a good work ethic at an early age. He and his family lived through the great depression and knew what it was like to go without. After he married, he bought his own milk truck and hauled milk from dairy farms to the milk factory. Joe later bought a small farm in Greenleaf where he farmed for a few years. He then bought land and settled in Sherwood where he built his home and barn and spent his life running his dairy farm. It was there that Joe and Ceil built their life and raised their family. Joe knew what hard work was and provided a good life for his family.

Joe had a strong faith. He belonged to Sacred Heart Parish in Sherwood. He had some bumps in the road, when he lost the barn he built to a fire, and had to pick up the pieces and rebuild. Years later, a tornado ripped through his yard and again he picked up the pieces and continued with life. Joe never gave up. Playing sheepshead with family, friends and relatives was a favorite pastime for Joe. He enjoyed going out to eat and having an old-fashioned. He loved woodworking and made many beautiful things throughout the years. Joe and Ceil enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with Nationwide Travelers after his retirement. Joe was a wonderful father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Joe is survived by his children; Jane (Robert) Schaefer, Patricia (Dennis) Dakins, Sandra (David) Broeren and Joe (Laura) Smet. Son-in-law, Bryan Vandenboogaard. 13 grandchildren; Kalla (Randy) Wirtz, Rob (Beth) Schaefer, Nicole (Brian) Kerrigan, Tara Dakins, Todd (Kelly) Dakins, Becky (special friend Chris Kraemer) VandenBoogaard, Jaren VandenBoogaard, Eric VandenBoogaard, Kami (Chad) Clink, Keli (special friend Kyle Olson) Broeren, Kristi Smet, Jake Smet, and Cassie (special friend Austin Dins) Smet; 12 great-grandchildren, Alex Wirtz, Maxton Wirtz, Christian Wirtz, Ella Wirtz, Norah Schaefer, Carah Schaefer, Kaitlyn Kerrigan, Carson Kerrigan, Ethan Rabideau, Evan Rabideau, Kaleb Dakins and Khloe Dakins; a sister Margaret Bowers, and brothers Clarence (Margaret) Smet and Francis Smet, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law; James Schuh, Ted Shuh, Jerry Smith and Rita Tessen.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Ceil in December of 2016. A daughter, Mary Jo VandenBoogaard. His parents Peter and Katherine Smet, father-in-law and mother-in-law; Fred and Catherine Schuh, sisters; Katie Schlimn, Josie Wallace, Marion Smet, brother; Edward Smet, brothers-in-law; Bud Schlimn, John Wallace, Morman Bowers, Joe Martin, Harold Schuh, Richard Schuh, sisters-in-law; Virginia Martin, Delores Smith, Pat Schuh, Betty Schuh, Shirley Schuh, Judy Schuh and Germaine Smet.

The funeral liturgy will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 11:00 am at SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH, N 369 Military Road in Sherwood. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at the church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established in his name.

The family would like to thank the staff at American Grand Assisted Living for the care given to Joseph during his stay with them and Dr. Demry and Compassius Hospice Care.