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Omer Smits Obituary
Omer L. Smits, 86, of Town of Rockland, passed away in De Pere on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. He was born January 5, 1927 in De Pere, a son of the late Louis and Elizabeth (Hendricks) Smits. On December 29, 1992 in Escanaba, MI he married the former Patricia Diener.
Omer was a member of the De Pere Men's Club, St. Mary Catholic Community Church, St. Mary Home School Association, and a 4-H Chairman of Leaders. He also was on the Brown County Drainage Board for 32 years, the Town Chairman of Rockland, and a school bus driver in East De Pere for over 30 years. Omer enjoyed his time with gardening, working at flea markets and hickory trees and their nuts.
Omer is survived by his wife Patricia Smits; 11 children: Diane Fonder, Gary Smits, Dave (Mary) Smits, Dan (Jan) Smits, Sue (Jae) Houtman, Steven (Lynn) Smits, Barb (Tracy) Meyer, Mike (Patti) Smits, Kevin (Michelle) Smits, Rick (Elaine) Smits, and Lisa (Tom) Wojcichowski; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; step sons Bill (Patti) Ruggles and Mike (Liz) Ruggles, and siblings: Richard Smits, Delores Novacheck, and LuAnn (Gene) Vandenberg. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Eunice Smits, son Don Smits, grandson Chad Smits, and his sisters: Bernice, Mildred, and Betty.
Family and friends may visit on Saturday, December 14, 2013 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Community, 4805 Sportsmans Dr, Town of Ledgeview. Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Richard Getchel officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials are greatly appreciated to Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Smits family.
The Smits family wishes to send a heartfelt thank you to Angels on Arcadian and Jessica and her team at AseraCare for the compassion they showed Omer and his family.
This obituary was originally published in the De Pere Journal (De Pere, WI).
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Memories and Condolences
for Omer Smits
Scott Anderson
December 20, 2013
I got to know Omer for all too short a time while he was working at Lamers. I have missed his friendship and gentle wit since her left there. He will be missed and remembered always.
Judy Geyso
December 18, 2013
Steve and Lynn Elaine just told me yesterday about the loss of your father. You have my deepest sympathy . You and your family are in my prayers.
Lisa Anderson
December 17, 2013
To the Smits family. I'm so sorry to hear about Omer's passing. I worked with him at the bus company and even came out to his house once to check out the hickory trees/nuts. May God watch over you during this very difficult time.
Ann Keyser
December 13, 2013
Dear Kevin and Lisa,
I am sorry to read of your father's passing. May he be SO HAPPY in HEAVEN and may beautiful memories of him bring comfort to you at this time. Peace be with you.
Wendy & Lowell Franklin
December 13, 2013
Gary and family, Sending our deepest sympathy for your loss. So hard this time of year. Hoping you find comfort and peace in your memories of his time on earth. Thinking of you...
Chris Farrell
December 12, 2013
Steve and Lynn, Very sorry to here of your loss. He is now FREE!
Daniel Madigan
December 12, 2013
I was thinking of Omer late last week. I knew him from the drainage district but had not talked to him since he retired. My thoughts then and now were, "that he was a really good man to work with."
December 12, 2013
Pat,
My extended sympathy goes to you and your family.I was sadden by the news this morning.
Penny
December 12, 2013
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of Omer, we knew him for years from the auctions and we got hickory nuts from him through the years... know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Carol and Bill Van Rens
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Funeral services provided by:
Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory - De Pere305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, WI 54115
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