William Smith

William L. "Bill" Smith, 88, formerly of Galt and Chillicothe, MO, passed away on October 20, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. His devoted wife of 68 years, Joanna (Fredin) Smith, remained faithfully by his side during hospice.

Born March 25, 1937, in Illinois to Ted and Linnea Smith, Bill moved with his family to Lakeside, Wisconsin during high school. He graduated from Northwestern High School and developed a lifelong passion for farming.

On June 1, 1957, Bill married Joanna. Together they raised four sons: William Jr. (Betty) of California, Dale of Breckenridge, MO, Larry (Beth) of Alaska, and Doug (Roxy) of Illinois. Bill is survived by 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, as well as a brother Warren Smith (Margie) of Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law Marlen Smith (Schmidt); and grandson Philippe Smith.

In the late 1980s, Bill and Joanna moved to California, where he worked as an electrical and general contractor. In 2008, they became organic farmers in Galt, before relocating to Chillicothe. In March 2023, they moved to Anchorage to live with their son Larry.

A man of deep faith, Bill was active in church life through missions, prison ministry, Bible studies, and Christian radio. He and Joanna attended Cornerstone Church in Chillicothe and enjoyed attending Southern Gospel events, and singing hymns while Joanna played the piano he gave her early in their marriage.

A memorial service will be held on November 15, 2025, in Eagle River, Alaska. An additional service will take place in Lakeside, Wisconsin next summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice or by planting a tree in his honor.