Kenneth Smits

Kenneth Smits, age 86, passed away peacefully at The Heritage Hospice Residence in Appleton. Ken was born in Kaukauna on December 16, 1924, son of the late Theodore and Lucy (McDaniel) Smits. Ken graduated from Kaukauna High School and then attended the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. He also attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ken was employed by Kimberly-Clark as an engineer for over thirty years. Ken served his country on two occasions – as a member of the Merchant Marines during World War II and later in the United States Army during the Korean War. Ken enjoyed golfing with his loving wife Judy, wintering in Florida, and attending anything that had to do with his grandchildren. He truly adored them.

Ken is survived by two children: Kevin (Amy) Smits of Colorado and Kerry (Matt) Lang of Darboy; six grandchildren: Delaney and Mac Kenzie Smits, and Kassandra, McDaniel, Erin, and Collin Lang; his mother-in-law: Jennie Saler of Iron Mountain; two brothers: Norval (Betty) Smits of DePere and Floyd Smits of Kaukauna; a sister: Dorothy Rebitz of Kennesaw, Georgia; and two brothers-in-law: John Saler of Marinette and Bob (Cheryl) Saler of Iron Mountain. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Judy in 2007, Judy’s father Ray Saler, a brother-in-law Jim Rebitz, and brothers and sisters Beatrice (Orv) Yingling, Loretta (Leo) Schmalz, Angie (Bill) Brugman, Jerry (Eleanor) Smits, and Ted (Ola) Smits. Ken is further survived by several nieces and nephews, his favorite golfing buddy Joe Leveque, and his dog Libby.

The funeral liturgy for Ken will be held at 4:00 PM on Monday, October 10, 2011, at ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 410 E. Wallace Street in Combined Locks with Fr. Andrew Kysely officiating. Military honors will follow the service. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 2:00 PM until the time of the service.

Many thanks go out to all of the wonderful workers and volunteers at The Heritage Hospice Residence. In lieu of flowers, please direct gifts in memory of Ken to the Community Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1534, Appleton WI 54912.

Fargo Funeral Home
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130
920 766 6200