Barry A. Smith

Barry A. Smith, 85 of Boyceville passed away peacefully with family by his side on February 21st. Barry was born May 12th 1940 to George and Jane (Geving) Smith.

Barry graduated High School at Glenwood City, WI in 1958. Immediately following graduation Barry enlisted into the Army. Barry was stationed in Korea for 4 years. During his enlistment Barry was a sharpshooter and paratrooper. Once out of the Army Barry attended U. W. Whitewater for business.

Barry married Dorothy Calamese in 1965. In 1972 Barry joined the local electrical union and started his apprenticeship in Peoria Illinois for local 135. During this time they were blessed with 2 sons but later divorced.

In 1993 Barry was sworn in by International Secretary, Jerry O'Conner, for the newly formed IBEW local 14 in Eau Claire WI. He continued working there until his retirement in 2002. Barry was a union member for 54 years. During retirement he started farming and enjoyed raising beef cattle.

In 2004 Barry married the love of his life Judy (Fesenmaier) Rongholt. They enjoyed many years farming and spending time up north at their camper.

If you were lucky enough to be a friend of Barry's you had a friend for life. Barry was someone who was much more complex then he let others see. He was a quiet person who had strong opinions and tended to keep them to himself and only share them with those closest to him. There was an extremely kind side to Barry. If he saw someone suffering, especially if it was a path similar to the one he walked in life,he was sure to help them. He was a modest person who didn't feel comfortable taking "thank you's" for his kindness. He did not ever want to portray himself as superior to anyone as he was a simple person who worked hard to get to where he got to in life. He loved staying at home in the peace and quiet of the farm with Judy, living life to the fullest.

Barry is survived by his wife Judy of 22 years, Son's Tony (Janet), and Scott (Dena) Smith, step sons Mike (Sassha), Rob (Karen), Steve (Laura) Rongholt, 8 Grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Barry is preceded in death by his parents, grandson Mike, Stepson Christopher and many Aunts and Uncles. A private ceremony and burial will be held at a later date.

We want to extend a special thank you to Nichole, our angel from heaven, and Adoray Hospice for all of their support.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com