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BORN
1942
DIED
2022
W. Smith Obituary
W. Ronald (Ron) Smith
July 23, 1942 - March 28, 2022
MADISON - W. Ronald (Ron) Smith of Madison passed away on March 28, 2022 after living with Parkinson's Disease for several years.
Ron was born July 23, 1942 in Jackson, Tennessee to Sue and Buford Smith, and grew up in Meridian, Mississippi with his parents and younger brother, Nick. The family moved to Baraboo during Ron's Junior year in High School where his Southern accent charmed the locals. He met Jean Rohde while they worked at the A&W Drive-in, where they began their life-long love together. They attended UW-Madison where Ron led the Marching Band as the Drum Major in the 1963 Rose Bowl. They married in 1965.
Ron was a high school band director for a number of years, including at Baraboo H.S. where he took the band to perform in the Cotton Bowl Parade. He shifted to a career in insurance at Sentry Insurance in Stevens Point, and later CUNA Mutual and WEA CU in Madison. In 2002 he launched a popular personal finance seminar as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Wisconsin's graduating students, and provided them with valuable one-on-one support.
Ron loved having music in his life, playing the trombone, listening to jazz, and attending musical performances of his kids and grandkids over the years. He was always happy taking family and friends out on their boat to laugh and enjoy a beer on beautiful Lake Mendota.
Ron is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean Smith; his daughter, Lisa Shimon, and grandsons Nathan and Dan of Stoughton; his daughter Amy Mahoney (Michael) and granddaughter, Eva, of New York City.
Services will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Visitation at 10:00 a.m., memorial service at 11:00 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for W. Smith
Kassie
December 29, 2022
I am so sad to just learn about this news. I attended Ron´s personal finance seminar and it changed my life. I met with him a few times afterward and he was so open with his experiences and advice. He gave me the tools to make sound financial decisions on my own and I am forever grateful!
Judy (Dunlap) Fichthorn
June 23, 2022
I was a band/ bandfront alumni 1967-68 under Mr Smith and Mr Enck. Both were very important in my life. So sorry to hear of his passing.... March on Mr Smith!!!!
Bill and Tricia Drimel
April 8, 2022
Lisa, we remember your dad as a very smart and funny man. So sorry for your loss. We hope all your fondest memories will sustain you through this difficult time. Hugs to you, Jean and the boys from us.
Gerri Schultz
April 5, 2022
Ron was such a great guy! My condolences to Jean and all who loved Ron.
Debra Krueger Yngsdal
April 5, 2022
My heart is hurting to hear if Mr. Smith´s passing. He was the best and us Baraboo kids were fortunate to have had him for our band director and the memories we had as he took us to the cotton bowl parade back in `69. Please know he was loved and we were blessed to have had him. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. This pic is of our drill team right before the start of the parade. Thought I would share it with you. RIP Mr. Smith
Ann Kent Effinger
April 4, 2022
So sad to hear of Ron's battle with Parkinson's & his passing. I remember his impressive performances as drum major in both the BHS & UW marching bands. As an under class person, I was in awe! May he rest in peace & in God's love.
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