Robert D. Smith

Robert David Smith, 73, passed away on November 11, 2024, in Rome, WI. Born on September 20, 1951, Robert was known as the life of the party, and never let the truth get in the way of a good story. His zest for life was paralleled by his love for cross-country skiing, having participated in 27 Birkebeiner ski races throughout his life. When there wasn't snow on the ground, Robert was running marathons, biking, or indulging in his love of car racing that began in his childhood in Florida. The annual 12 Hour Sebring race was a highlight for him, a time to reconnect with childhood friends and his brother Charles. Robert was also an avid traveler and had a passion for adventure, and was a section hiker on the Appalachian Trail, where he was sometimes lost, but making good time. After 26 years at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, where he made a positive impact on countless lives teaching trades to the incarcerated, Robert retired and moved full-time to Rome, where he found a love of Pickleball, and served as the President of the Rome Pickleball Club.
Robert's spirited presence will be profoundly missed by his family. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Nancy, who tirelessly cared for him in the last years of his life; sons, Eric Heth and Troy (Ari) Heth; daughters, Erin (Bob) Eaton and Lauren (Jake) Roesch and his cherished grandchildren, Cassandra, Nadia, Taryne, Troy Jr, Marianna, Braelyn, and Ian; and his brother Charles Smith. He is preceded in death by his brother, John Smith.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 22 at Woodland Lutheran Church, 280 14th Ave., Nekoosa, WI, followed by a service celebrating Robert's life at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Contributions in Robert's memory can be made to the Wisconsin Humane Society, honoring his love for animals.