Obituaries

Arbor Vitae - Gerald (Gerry) Smith, age 86, of Arbor Vitae, WI passed away on Monday, September 19, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Gerry was born on April 30, 1936 in Milwaukee, WI to Martin and Catherine Smith. He graduated from Appleton High School in 1954 and St. Norbert College in 1958 with a degree in Business Administration. Gerry was a veteran and proudly served in the Army from 1958 - 1960. He married Dolores (Dee) Schuh on August 17, 1957 and they settled in Wausau, WI to raise their family. Gerry retired in 1991, after 31 years with Wausau Insurance, to a rustic, hand-built, lakeside cabin in northern Wisconsin with Dee. Gerry was an avid runner in his younger years as a way to spend time and connect with his children. He completed 11 marathons, including Boston in 1981. He was a very skilled craftsman: tearing down old houses in Wausau to be recycled into their rustic cabin, creating woodworking projects for children and grandchildren, winemaking, and rock collecting. He imparted hunting and fishing skills to his sons and daughters. Gerry never passed up an opportunity to strike up conversations and share stories with people he met.

Gerry and Dee spent 20 wonderful years together after he retired, surrounded by nature, enjoying gardening, hiking, biking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing. Their passion for nature and adventure led them on many travels, visiting most of the U.S. National Parks. They shared their love of nature with their children and grandchildren while making their cabin a source of wonderful memories for generations of family and friends.

Gerry is survived by four children – Lisa (Keith) Fenhaus of Plymouth, MN; Linda (Valen) Brost of Serene Lakes, CA; Laura (Paul) Martin of Wausau, WI; daughter-in-law Kris Smith of Victoria, MN; and Greg (Teri) Smith of Madison, WI; sister Donna Yaeche; grandchildren – Bethany, Brent, Flene, Zarik, Jesic, Stara, Mriah, Rlija, Sarah, Adam, Megan, Katelyn, Sabrina, Lukas and Katy; 16 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dee, parents Martin and Catherine, sister Rose Marie Watson (Chuck), brother-in-law Len Yaeche, brother Jim (Lu) Smith, son Jeff Smith, granddaughter Allison Smith, grandson Jakob Smith, and all the Schuh family brothers and sisters-in-law.

Gerry lived a deep spiritual life and believed family and love for all are what mattered most. He lived out of his heart and hoped that the brightest light within you will sustain you and guide your way forward. A small celebration of life will be held in Wausau at a later date.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Verona Chapel 220 Enterprise Drive 608-845-6625