Lyle Smith

Lyle L. Smith, age 83, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2015, at Fountain View Care Center in Ripon.

Lyle was born November 11, 1931, in Chili, WI, the son of Herman and Emma (Kotlow) Smith. Lyle became a farmer and on November 19, 1949, he married Dawn Hanson in Chili. Lyle was on the Ripon School Board. He enjoyed farming, woodworking and conversing with friends. Lyle loved to travel and enjoyed the free things in life. He was always amazed at nature’s beauty.

Survivors include his two daughters, Linda Stellmacher and Cynthia Theune both of Ripon, WI; five grandchildren, Jed (Danell), Cory (Julie), Brock (Heather) and Wyatt (Chris Mooney) Stellmacher and Travis Theune; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Laverne (Urusla Wenzke) Smith and many nieces and nephews. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Emma; wife, Dawn; son, Terry; daughter, Elaine Lundt; grandson, Trent Theune; brother, Lloyd and close friend, John Huseboe.

A Graveside Service for Lyle will be held on Friday, July 31, 2015, at 2:00 pm at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon. Pastor David Howie will officiate.


“I’M FREE”
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day to laugh,
to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void
then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life has been full, I savored much,
good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me
that God wanted me now. He set me free.

Author Linda Jo Jackson
Ottowa, Canada

Please visit www.butzinmarchant.com to send online condolences