Wilma Smith

1926 - 2025

Wilma Schmekel Smith, 99, a long-time resident of Joliet, Illinois, and most recently of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was born January 31, 1926, and passed away on October 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and secure in her faith in Jesus Christ.

Wilma lived a life anchored by her unwavering devotion to God, her family, and her country. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of everything she did, and she found comfort and strength in Scripture throughout her life. She read her Bible daily, believing it to be the word of God, and committed many verses to memory, with Psalms 100 and 23 holding special places in her heart. Her favorite verse, Psalm 100:1 – "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands" – reflected her spirit of praise and devotion.

Known for her strong, clear opinions and steadfast character, Wilma was a woman of conviction. She was a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Joliet for most of her life and faithfully attended Resurrection Presbyterian Church for the last six years, where her presence and faith touched many lives.

Wilma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bernard Smith; her parents, William and Frieda (Riemer) Schmekel; her grandsons, Austin and Adam Smith; and her siblings, Louise Malinowski, Emma Smith, Clara Johnson, Betty Barnes, and Frederick Schmekel.

She is survived by her children, Cindy and her husband Michael Smith, and Carol and her husband John Hentschel; her grandchildren, Alyssa and her husband Jordan Belton, Ben and his wife Dana Hentschel, Brent and his wife Lizzie Hentschel, Anca Smith, and Ryan and his wife Ariel Hentschel; and her great-grandchildren, Elijah Hentschel, Emilia Hentschel, William Hentschel, Grace Hentschel, Luke Hentschel, Colt Sypert Hentschel, Levi Belton, Evelyn Belton, Lillian Belton, and Elsie Belton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from The Residence of Oshkosh and St. Croix Hospice. Their attentive care was much appreciated.

A Funeral Service for Wilma will be held at Resurrection Presbyterian Church (1205 Congress Avenue) on Saturday, November 22 at 4:30PM. A time of visitation will be held from 3PM until 4PM. An interment will take place on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 1:30 PM in Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery (23060 W Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60431).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Resurrection Presbyterian Church in Wilma's honor.


Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home
402 Waugoo Ave.
Oshkosh WI 54901
(920) 231-1510