Michael Smith

Michael “Mike” Smith passed away on August 29, 2025 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on May 12, 1945 at St Mary’s Hospital, the youngest child of Ruth (Murphy) and James Smith.

Growing up in a multigenerational household on the East side of Madison, he spent his childhood playing at Tenney Park and attended Madison East High School, graduating in 1963. His academic journey led him to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a degree in Psychology in 1968.

While a second-year student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he met a beautiful second year student named Patti at a dance at Rusty’s in Middleton.  They married in 1968. Their first daughter Megan was born in 1973, and their second daughter Melissa was born in 1975.

Mike furthered his education by pursuing a master's and PhD in Industrial Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, completing his studies in 1970 and 1973, respectively. His career took the family to Cincinnati in 1974, where he worked as a research director for NIOSH, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His contributions to occupational safety and computer ergonomics were significant, influencing the development of ergonomic guidelines for computer use

In 1984, the family moved back to Madison, WI so that Mike could become a professor in Industrial Engineering at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   Teaching was more than a job for Mike; it was a calling. He was passionate about being a positive role model for young adults and took great pride in his role as an educator.

Mike was a devoted Badger, holding season tickets for Badger football for many years.

After retiring in 2007, Mike embraced his role as a grandfather, delighting in spoiling his grandchildren with treats and gifts. It’s not a coincidence that all his grandchildren learned the word “Papa” very early in their vocabulary.

Mike was a lifelong animal lover starting with his childhood dog, Penny. Throughout his life, dogs were drawn to him, particularly during dinnertime (on an unrelated note, all the family dogs were a bit overweight).  Despite being allergic to cats, he welcomed all of them for a cuddle on his lap, despite his nose running. Please think of him the next time you pet your dog or cat.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and loving wife of 56 years, Patti. He is survived by his children Megan (Jason) Hill of Waunakee and Melissa (Paul) Moskalik of Eden Prairie, MN; grandchildren Payton Margenau, Tristan Margenau and James “Jimmy” Moskalik and brother Bill (Monica) Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Madison College Patti Smith Opportunity Scholarship, which was started to honor his late wife. 

https://www.supportmadisoncollege.org/patricia-patti-a-smith-opportunity-scholarship/

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Ryan Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A private burial will follow services at Union Cemetery, in the township of Vienna.