Arthur J. Smith

PORTAGE – Arthur J. Smith, age 95, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Divine Savior Healthcare hospital, in Portage, with family by his side.

Art was born on March 5, 1922 in Saugus, Massachusetts, the son of Clement and Ella (Johns) Smith. He married his beloved wife, Nan (Joan) Martell in 1944, 6 months after meeting while dancing, before going off to serve his country in the Army Air Corps in Okinawa, Japan, during WWII.  Before departing he arranged to have flowers sent on the 3rd of every month which was each month’s anniversary.  Nan wrote to him each day while he was serving his country. Art never met a stranger and was known for his hand-knitted stocking caps and sharing chocolate chip cookies.  He worked for Wisconsin Bell for 36 years, most recently as an engineer, before retiring to his lake-front home in Pardeeville.  He and Nan never really retired, but remained active, whether it was sailing, downhill and cross country skiing, and of course, gardening. Art left all he touched with his sense of enjoyment in life, his sense of fun and especially left his children and grandchildren a legacy of true love, integrity and humility.       

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Joan Smith; his children, Sue Reavis (Dave), Jim Smith (Jeanie) and Joanne Tesch (David); his grandchildren, Tim Adams, Peter Adams (April), Paul (Julie) Smith, Alex Smith, Lindsey Stokes (Doug) Andre Smith (Tracey Buyle) and Jason Tesch; his great-grandchildren, Brittini, Mackenzi, Stepheni, Sydni, Finnigan, Aubree, Kaylee, Alexis, Rachel, Chloe and Harper; his great-great-grandson, Trey, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be private. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Our House in Portage for their care and concern.

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.