Gladys I. Smith

Gladys I. Smith, age 92, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital following a brief illness. Gladys was born in Granton, WI, 1 of 7 children, to the late William and Edna (Brumm) Lehmann on May 13, 1933.

She graduated with her teaching degree from U. W. Stevens Point in 1955. In 1958, Gladys was united in marriage to Melvin R. Smith. The couple enjoyed 41 years together until Melvin's passing in 1999.

Gladys taught English and Drama at the high school level for many years. She was an amazing singer, singing in many different choirs – including the Faith Lutheran Church Choir for 55 years. Gladys lived life to the fullest and was very active. She enjoyed gardening, the Green Bay Packers, camping, traveling and seeing the world. Gladys was very patriotic, and could often be seen dressed in red, white, and blue from head to toe. Her faith was very important to her, and she was a very familiar face at Faith Lutheran Church. She was active in many committees. Her family was very important to her, and she kept in touch with relatives across the country.

Gladys will be missed by her daughter, Simonie (Dr. Stephen) Jones, Tulsa, OK; two sons: Todd Smith, Farmington Hills, MI and Brian Smith, Appleton; grandson, Brandon Kolarik, Tulsa; 2 sisters: Dolores Dageforde, St. Paul, MN and Carole Qualle, Hudson, WI. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Edna, 3 brothers: Raimon, Jim, and Elroy; and a sister, June Miller. Glady is now reunited with her husband Mel in heaven.

A funeral service will take place at 11 am on Friday, February 27, at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E. Glendale Ave. Appleton, with Pastor Daniel Thews officiating. Friends may visit at the church on Friday from 9 am until 10:45 am. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park.