Thomas J. Smith

Thomas J. Smith, 69, of Van Dyne, died on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at his residence with family by his side. He was born on January 6, 1956, in Michigan, the son of Jack and MaryAnn (Waisanen) Smith. After graduation he went on to work at Giddings and Lewis in Fond du Lac in a four year machinist apprenticeship. Later, he worked for one year at Manowske Welding. From 1981-1985, Thomas was the owner/operator of a semi-truck and traveled 30+ states. He ended up selling the semi in 1985 to become the owner/operator of Smith Welding and Repair. On May 26, 1992, he married Catherine Severson at Presentation Church, in North Fond du Lac. He loved snowmobiling (especially Ski-Doo’s), snowmobile racing, was a strong supporter of Donald Trump, and partridge hunting. Thomas and his wife, Catherine, like motorcycling, UTVing, going on excursions thru the countryside, and going to swap meets together.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine, mother, MaryAnn Cestkowski; three children, Ronald (Michelle) Severson, Pamela (Randall) Roeder, and Todd (significant other, Robyn Knepel) Severson; seven grandchildren, Travis (Katie) Severson, Troy Severson, Holley (Nick) Lanser, Dustin (Becca) Schwandt, Dakota (Shelbey) Roeder, Desiree (Vince) Stensrud, and Alisha (Andrew) Larson; fourteen great grandchildren, Kinley, Kadance, Aiden, Liam, Harper, Hudson, Marlowe, Lettie, Tripp, Brantley, Brooks, Jaxson, Manson, and Paxton; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack; stepfather, Chester Cestkowski; and good friends and four-legged fury pets.

The visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow the visitation at 4:00 PM with cremation to take place after the service.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com