John Edward Smidebush

John Smidebush Obituary

John Edward Smidebush 41 year resident of Moraga Passed away peacefully in his sleep, Wednesday October 19, 2011. Born September 3, 1928 in Sterling, IL, the second son of Albert and Julia Smidebush, he was educated by the Sisters of Loretto at St. Mary's Grade School and Catholic Community High graduating in 1946. Active in Student Government and serving as Senior Class President, he earned his B.S. in Commerce from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA in 1950. He married Margaret Mary Whelan in October of that year and was drafted into the US Army in November and served at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO until 1952 when he was discharged as Sergeant First Class. After his discharge he joined Oscar Meyer Foods of Madison, WI in their pre-management training program. He worked in plant operations and as foreman in several departments before transferring to Sales in 1959. He received several promotions in Sales before retiring in 1987. In 1992, his wife, Margaret Mary passed away and on October 9th the following year he married Mary Ellen Van Teyens. Active in church and music throughout his life he was a member of St. Monica's Parish in Moraga, serving as a member of the Facilities Committee, Parish Council President, Lector, Commentator and trumpeter accompanying the choir. He contributed to his community as a trumpeter, Band Manager, Librarian, benefactor and assistant in the founding of concert bands and establishment of their non-profit status. When not enjoying the competitive camaraderie of tennis, he could be found in one of his many gardens nurturing crops, sharing their bounty with friends and family and encouraging others by providing seeds and plants to all. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen (Van Teyens), her children & their spouses, Cindy Van Teyens and Donald & Cheryl Van Teyens; his children & their spouses, Patrick, Michael & Robbie, Kathy & Dave Bradfield, Tim & Diane, Karen & Jim Montero, Shawn & Karen, Maureen and Bruce Klein, Chris & Allison, David; eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Services will be held at St. Monica's Parish, 1001 Camino Pablo, Moraga on Friday October 28th at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association.

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

Published by Contra Costa Times from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John Smidebush

5 Entries

Lenette DeWitt

October 27, 2011

John you were an amazing man and I loved you so very much. I will dearly miss you especially at the crab feed. I loved our yearly competition even though you always seemed to win! You will always be in my heart.

Kathleen Forrestall Storey

October 27, 2011

Dear Smidebush Family,

When my Mom passed away in March, I found comfort in poem. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

JESSE'S POEM
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here there are no more tears of sadness, here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly because you're part of my plan. There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight, God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years because you are only human, they will bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over, I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb, but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain, then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain.”
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low, just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind, I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free, remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.