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BORN
1928
DIED
2020
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Theodore Smith Obituary
De Pere - Theodore R. Smith, 92, De Pere, passed away on Friday November 20, 2020. He was born May 8,1928 in Champaign-Urbana IL, the first of nine children born to Harry and Leila (Baker) Smith.
After High School Ted studied for the ministry at Lincoln Bible Institute, Lincoln IL. There he met and married Lila Barnett. Transitioning from Pastoring to a career as a music teacher, Ted attended the University of Illinois-Normal, and Sherwood Music School in Chicago, before obtaining his Masters Degree and Advanced Certificate at the University of Illinois Champaign. Ted taught at various elementary schools in Illinois before becoming Professor of Music at Minnesota Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the early 1960's. In 1968 he became a music teacher for the Antigo Unified School district where he retired in 1989 after 31years of employment. He moved to Green Bay in 1993 where he opened Ted's Piano Studio and enjoyed being part of the local community.
Ted had a vital faith in Jesus Christ and served as a volunteer hospital Chaplain for the Marathon County Hospital in the 1970's as well as a spiritual mentor to many.
Ted is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lila Smith. Their children, Bill Smith, Rhonda (Bruce) Lecus, Brian (Sandy) Smith, and son in law Daniel Wilson. His grandchildren; Kim Wilson, Justin (Andrea) Lecus, Megan (Jason) Peters, Matt (Christine) Lecus, Heather Smith, Faith (Bruce) Thornburgh, Lin (Gene) Roland, Sherry (James) Hibbert, and Lisa Tlougan, as well as great grandchildren. His siblings; Doris McNeese, Sonya (Dean) Woodard, Marijane (Gary) Zindards, Pam Krabel, sister in law Dorothy (Fred) Bennett, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Danny Lowell Smith (stillborn) his daughter Sharon (Wilson) as well as his siblings; Norman Smith, Bill (Ethel) Smith, Ronnie (Penny) Smith, Kay (Bob) Ferry, (Wes Jordan) (Bert McNeese) and (Joe Krabel).
Friends may call at Nicolet Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum 2770 Bay Settlement Rd. Green Bay after 1:00PM Tuesday December 1, 2020. A service for Ted will take place at 2:00PM with entombment to follow. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere is assisting the family.
A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Rennes Health & Rehab Center and Unity Hospice for the loving care they gave Ted while he was there.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Smith
Sponsored by Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory - De Pere.
2 Entries
Pete Centner
December 24, 2020
Mr. Smith was my music teacher at North Elementary in Antigo during the late 70's and early 80's. I still remember some of the Christmas music he got for us including the very strange song "The Imp." Many kids had to run laps around the gym after school, especially when he brought recorders out for us to try and learn how to play. The fellow had patience. Rest in Peace, Mr. Smith.
Quin
November 24, 2020
I cared for Ted at Rennes. I had known him since I started the job in 2016. He was one the kindest people I’ve ever met. He never had a negative thing to say and was always so sweet to me. I will never forget him.
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Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory - De Pere305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, WI 54115
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