Robert Dean Smith

Robert Smith Obituary

Robert Dean Smith

Robert Dean Smith died on April 14, 2023, in Hudson, WI. Bob was born in Madison, WI on June 20, 1936.

His beloved family consists of his wife of 62 years, Penny; his sons: Brent and Mathew (Donna); his daughter, Elizabeth (Adam Smith); and eight grandchildren: Emma (Thomas Goldberg), Isabel, Samuel, Caitlin, Reuben, Mairin, Zoey and Mira; one great-grandson, River Goldberg; his sister, Sonja Hettwer (Robert Johnston) and sister-in-law, Linda Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Smith and Hazel Joiner; his sister, Karen; his brother, John; his dear daughter-in-law, Helen Chung; and his grandson, Samuel Smith - whom he forever missed.

Bob grew up in Janesville, WI. He graduated from Janesville High School in 1955 (Go Bluebirds!). He studied Physical Education at the University of WI-La Crosse and received his BS (1961) and MS (1969). Bob taught Physical Education and coached cross country, swimming, and tennis at Rhinelander Union High School from 1961-1968, where he transformed his teams into perennial powerhouses. He then taught and coached swimming and tennis at UW-Stout, where once again, his teams excelled. His tennis team won five straight conference championships. He retired in 1993 but continued to teach tennis lessons for many years.

Bob loved his family. He loved his students and his athletes. He thanked UW-Lacrosse his entire adult life for giving him a profession that he never called work. When he was middle-aged, Bob developed a love for gardening - digging a hole, planting a seed, and watching something grow. He was never without a dog- eight good dogs in all. Of course, he loved to swim, hike, bike, golf, and, most of all, play tennis. After he retired, he and Penny spent winters in Tucson, AZ, where he belonged to the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club. He spent most of his days at the club enjoying tennis and a Greek salad with friends, including his closest friend, Larry Oremland.

He will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, humor, ability to tell a great story, and endless energy. He possessed admirable resilience and the ability to overcome adversity. He lived a wonderful, useful life and will be missed by many.

Memorials to the Humane Society of the United States or your local food bank in Bob's name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Chippewa Herald on Apr. 26, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Smith

4 Entries

Terry Petrie

January 31, 2025

Penny just found out today 1-31-25 the passing of Bob. He was a great guy and a roommate at Stout for years. His favorite thing to say was: There are not major and minor sports but major and minor people. He said that often over the years. So sorry for your loss but Bob lived a long and good life.

Rosie Burns

December 19, 2024

Bob was a special coach and fun person with a great smile. So sorry to hear of his passing. May you share happy memories with your family this Christmas. Rosie Burns

MICHAEL MOLITOR

July 7, 2023

DEAR PENNY, BRENT, MATT and BETSY,

It was with great sadness I heard from Rick Klabecheck about Bob's passing as he was the best coach I ever had, He made me better than I ever could of imagiened.

His mandatory morning practices 3-4 days a week were the difference maker and Killer at 6 am before class. Then the walk from north hall to field house 10-15 below thinking, the last thing I want to do is jump in a cold pool but in we went and better we got.

Our road trips to the Swimming Hall of Fame at Christmas and driving 24 plus hours to Ft. Lauderdale, FL for 10 days to train, still have photos of those trips.
Very sad I didn't make arrangement to track you all down and see him and all of you over the years. He pushed me to better and it got us to NAIA nationals 2 relays 72-73 and 73-74 and was he fun to be around and I was there when all you the boys were 4-5 years old and when Betsy was born. I even baby sat one time. He was a huge difference maker and motivator in my life and swimming and career wise.

I am 25 year Allstate agent and still think of him when I have tough business issues. He always said, Mike, you attack your career in life the way you practice, you will succeed, no question there.

My Greatest memory swimming for me was WSUC Conference 800 free relay knocking off favorite Eau Claire at Plateville 72-73 the 800 free relay, swimming 3rd leg of relay coming from almost half a pool behind and have Ben Kowalski bring it home. Then in his joy picks me off the deck with a giant hug.....never forget it or him and all of you. I liked coach so Smith so much I came to visit him in summer at new house on the lake.

His memory is strong in me till this day and like most all his swimmers and tennis players, I am sure they all feel the same.

Bless all of you and to let yoo know I am thinking of all of you how much he will be missed. I would like to contact by phone or email address.

Mike Molitor
Allstate agent in Glenview, IL

Marv Benzing

April 20, 2023

Coach Smith was a Major Influence in my Life, I played number 1 at Stout In1972 & 1973 , in 1973 beat everyone in the conference. Smith gave me an unbelievable confidence, because of him I became a Certified USPTA Master Tennis Professional about 100 of them in the World, also became Managing Partner at an Indoor tennis facility in the East Coast. Any successes or accomplishments I owe to Coach Smith. I had a dream last week that Coach Smith should be inducted to the Stout Hall of Fame. Humbly your Former Player & Friend . Thank You, God Bless. Marv Benzing

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