Paul B. Smedegaard

BSI RACINE - Paul B. Smedegaard BSI, 66, loving husband, father, and grandfather, died Wednesday, November 14, 2007, in Kenosha, after a seven-month battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme, a malignant brain tumor. Paul was born in Chicago, Ill. on November 3, 1941, the son of Hans Bech Smedegaard and Elsie (nee: Hochmuth) Smedegaard. The family moved to Racine in 1951. As an only child, Paul came to consider his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law to be the siblings he wanted but never had. One of Paul's most vivid childhood memories was clutching his teddy bear, Tuffy, and worrying about Tuffy's safety while he and other passengers were rescued by rope from a ship sinking in a North Atlantic storm. Despite the storm, Paul and his mother did get to Denmark to meet his father's family, the first of many visits. Paul graduated from Racine's Washington Park High School in 1959. He earned his Undergraduate Degree from Carthage College in Kenosha and his MBA from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. Paul worked for more than 40 years in industrial manufacturing, primarily at J.I. Case Company. During that time, he was a loyal union brother and leader of UAW Local 180. After retirement, he began a second career employed by Securitas as a Security Guard at BRP. For many years, Paul was active in the Democratic party, participating in numerous campaigns. In addition, he performed his civic duty honorably while serving as a Racine City Alderman from 1986 until 1992. Paul was an avid reader, especially of Sherlock Holmes. He was active in many Sherlock Holmes societies. His investiture in the Baker Street Irregulars was "The Randall Gang." Through these Sherlockian activities, Paul and Margaret traveled to many places and made many friends from around the world. He enjoyed playing competitive Bridge and earned Life-Master status. He also enjoyed playing non-competitive Bridge with his church's Bridge Club. Paul was a member of the Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church in Racine for more than 40 years. It was there that he married Margaret Ellen Shallcross on December 18, 1965. Paul is survived by Margaret, his loving wife of almost 42 years; his son, Paul (Jennifer) Smedegaard of Phoenix, Ariz.; his daughter, Margaret Long of Racine; and six grandchildren. Funeral services will be held in the Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, 625 College Avenue, on Saturday, November 17, 2007, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Tony Larsen officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation services will be held at the Sturino Funeral Home on Friday from 5 until 8 p.m. There will be a visitation at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until service time. Friends and family are encouraged to make a contribution to the American Cancer Society to honor the memories of Paul and to help the fight against cancer. The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, and others, who provided compassionate care to Paul during his illness. "Yes, Mr. Holmes. The Randall Gang is now in Heaven." STURINO FUNERAL HOME (formerly Hanson Funeral Home) 3014 Northwestern Avenue 632-4479