William A. “Whitey” Smith, age 96, of the Pinecrest Medical Care Faility in Powers, (formerly of Stonington and the Northwood’s Assisted Living in Escanaba) passed away Saturday morning May 9, 2009 at the Pinecrest Medical Care Faciliy.

William was born September 14, 1912 in Melrose Park, IL the son of William F. and Mary C. (Fink) Smith. William was raised in Melrose Park and Maywood, IL where he was a 1930 graduate of the Proviso High School. Whitey was united in marriage to the former Norma Weiss on March 13, 1937.

Whitey’s working career began following graduation from high school where he worked 12 years for the Continental Can Company in Melrose Park and later in Mankato, MN. He returned to Melrose Park where he owned and operated a gas station while also working for the Bowl-O-Beauty Corporation as their Plant Manager. Whitey later moved to Rhinelander, WI where he owned and operated his own fishing resort. From 1967 until his retirement in 1980 he owned and operated the Shorewood Motel in Kipling.

Norma preceded Whitey in death in on January 29, 1981. Whitey married Edythe Geurts on December 14, 1982 in Florida. They spent 20 years together traveling, wintering in Florida and spending summers in Stoninigton. Edythe preceded him in death in 2002.

Whitey was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone and a former member of the Gladstone Lions Club and the Gladstone Yacht Club. He also had served several years on the Gladstone City Commission.

Whitey was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. His hobbies included hunting and fishing. Whitey was very proud of his family, and he treasured spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include:

2 sons; William (Jackie) Smith and Randy (Margaret) Smith both of Gladstone

Daughter; Beverly Jean (John) Winkler of Las Vegas, NV

Step-son; Craig (Peggy) Lemerond of DePere, WI

Step-daughter; Constance (David) Nitka of DePere, WI

2 grandchildren: William J. (Andrea) Smith of Minneapolis, MN and Heather (Tom) Veeser of Appleton, WI

2 step grandchildren

3 great grandchildren; Daniel and Abigail Veeser of Appleton and Sarah Smith of Minneapolis
Numerous nieces and nephews

Whitey’s family will receive friends on Thursday May 14, 2009 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of William A. Smith will follow at 2:00 PM at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will follow at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Memorial contributions in memory of Whitey may be directed to the Fortune Lake Camp Fund, envelopes will be available at First Lutheran Church, or the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes.