William Smith

William “Bill” Earl Smith, age 84, of Frederic, WI, formerly of Webster, WI passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Traditions of Home in Frederic. Bill was born on May 18, 1933 in Aitkin Co., MN to parents, William Edwin and Queen (Franklin) Smith.   Bill grew up on the family farm in Webster. As a young boy he enjoyed playing various sports but his greatest love was hunting, fishing and swimming.  He attended Webster Schools with the Class of 1951 until he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Bill married Shirlee Mae Skuza on January 2, 1954 in Frederic, WI. During his ten years of military service, Bill and Shirlee lived in Alaska and Texas before returning back to Northern Wisconsin in 1961. The family moved to Racine, WI for 8 years where he was a foreman at Case Manufacturing.  In 1973 they returned to Burnett County and settled in Alpha. Bill was employed as a machinist at Parker Hannifin until he purchased the Alpha Texaco Station putting his auto mechanic skills to use. After selling the garage he worked as a carpenter/handyman.  Hobbies he enjoyed included tooling leather, gardening, playing cribbage, woodworking and watching golf.  He got great pride in tinkering with things until he got them to work. Bill was a proud veteran and a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed his participation in parades and his continued service as a member of the Honor Guard team.   Bill truly enjoyed all who came to visit, always ready with a cup of coffee and story to entertain them. During Bill and Shirlee’s 25 years of marriage they were blessed with six children. Bill is survived by children, Desiree Steinberg of Webster, WI, William “Bill” (Brenda) Smith Jr of Gloucester, MA, Shane (Linda) Smith of Trade Lake, WI, Susan (Billy) Haraldson of Falun, WI, Julie Pfluger of Grantsburg, WI; grandchildren, Amber, Amy, Bill III, Gentel, Gensei, Benjamin, Brennen, Rusty, Corey, Casey, Vince, Mandy, Mitchell, Douglas, Randy, Lydia; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marian Barber-Johnson, Webster, WI and Beverly Howerton, Winnetka, CA; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family and friends.   Bill was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Lawrence, Byron, Paul, Ed, Mike and Margie; daughter, Gina Marie (Smith) Suggs; and son-in-law, Timothy Briggs; and former wife, Shirlee Pax. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Community Center in Webster, WI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com