Jacob Erin "Jake" Smith

On Thursday, September 8, 2022, Jacob "Jake" Erin Smith, 37, of Oshkosh, departed this life to be with loved ones in heaven, after a brief stay at St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee, due to illness. Care, love, and support enveloped Jake as those near and dear to his heart spent those precious days by his side.

The eldest son of Cathy Retzlaff (Alan) and William Smith (Mary), Jake married his soul mate, confidant, and love of his life, Lindsay Luft, in June of 2021 and was eager to play his role in raising his new boys, Henry and Zeke (Ezekiel) Lopez.

Jake's interest and appreciation of the arts spanned music, cinema, and literature. Jake greatly admired actor and comedian Robin Williams and it is no surprise as to why; Jake and Robin shared the mindset that laughter brought people together. Jake's charisma was enchanting and a good joke or some lighthearted shenanigans were always on the table.

Jake was an avid gamer, with Xbox being his gaming system of choice. He introduced Henry to the gaming world and shared that bond with him. It was comical to hear Henry's rendition of how he had more points on Mario Kart than Jake! Jake stayed connected with friends on Call of Duty.

Some of Jake's most valued accomplishments centered on his love for family and his country. In Jake's earlier years he engaged with scouting, eventually earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Jake's younger brother, Soren, also shared this prestigious rank within the family. Jake later joined the U.S. Army's 2-19th Infantry Battalion, Company D, at Fort Benning, Georgia. The principles of scouting and the military enamored Jake with the values for a successful future yet none was as rewarding as being a husband to Lindsay and a father figure to Henry and Zeke. From "Jake" (bologna, cheese, and mustard) sandwiches to maple syrup, Jake shared all those nostalgic pieces from his family with his new family, and created memories that will live on forever and will always keep him close.

Jake leaves behind his loving wife, Lindsay; two wonderful sons, Henry and Zeke Lopez; his parents, Cathy and Alan Retzlaff along with William and Mary Smith; his sisters, Amy Primley and Lynn Smith; his grandmother, Phyllis Retzlaff; his dearest friends, Jesse Grieb (Natay) and Heather Huse as well as Michael (Rebecca) Frize and son Collin, who was Jake's Big Brother from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and was not only a dear friend but truly a big brother in Jake's life. Those who preceded Jake include his brother, Soren Smith, in addition to his grandparents, Marilyn Leverich and Mary and Fredrick H. Shapsmeier PhD.

Jake's love and laughter lives on through all the hearts he continues to warm, he's simply a smile away…heaven just needed him a little sooner than we had hoped.