Andrew K. Smies

1937 - 2013

Smies, Andrew K.

Andrew K. Smies, age 75, of W4158 Highway W, Waldo, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, September 30,2013.

Andy was born on December 12, 1937, in Oostburg the son of the late Edgar and Jennifer (Domissee) Smies. He graduated from Oostburg High School in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958 stationed in New York.

On March 16, 1962, he married Jane Hopeman at the Hingham Reformed Church. Jane preceded him in death on December 20, 2004.

He worked at Prange's in Sheboygan delivering furniture and appliances from 1958-1967; Hopeman's Inc. in Hingham in implement, lawn and farm sales and service from1967-1986 and Oostburg Elementary School from 1986-1999 in maintenance. While working at school, he quickly became adored by all of the little children - helping them with jacket zippers that were stuck, lockers that would not open, fixing anything that broke in the classroom or just whistling a tune walking down the hallway.

Andy was a member of the Hingham Reformed Church, where he served as Deacon. Throughout the years, he enjoyed singing with the Men of Harmony, serving as a Boy Scout leader, serving on the Hingham Athletic Association and donating blood to the American Red Cross for the past 35 years.

He loved the outdoors - going hunting up at the cabin with the guys and fishing on the pontoon boat. He also enjoyed working in his shop on small engine repair and would find a way to make everything run again. He loved going up north in the summer - especially spending time teaching kids how to water ski or singing around a campfire accompanied by a ukulele. He loved animals - caring for many wildlife rescues and pets throughout the years. He also enjoyed the morning coffee clutch in Hingham. He had a beautiful tenor voice and enjoyed singing in a quartet and in the church choir throughout the years, but his most important role was Grandpa. His grandkids were his world. Whether it was a sporting event, musical performance or just reading a book to someone sitting on his lap, he gave his undivided attention - a true gentle soul.

Andy is survived by his four children: Jean Harmeling of Cedar Grove, Jennie Smies of Cedar Grove, Mike (Diane) Smies of Waldo and Jackie Felsinger of Cedar Grove. Andy is also survived by a very special friend Betty Polster of Oostburg and her daughter Corey (Wes) Gizaw and their son, Zedekis. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Marly, Andy and Alyssa Harmeling; Cole, Jake and Jamie Prinsen; Nick, Katrina and Emily Smies; Haley, Ellie and Sam Felsinger; two foster granddaughters Kenlee and Jayden and other foster grandkids the past few years. Additionally, he is survived by brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Andy is preceded in death by his brother Norman Smies, sister Virginia VerVelde and a son-in-law Eric Felsinger.

Funeral Services will be held at the Hingham Reformed Church on Thursday, October 3, at 11:00am with the Rev. Steven Bakker and Rev. Paul Thyren officiating. Burial will take place at Oostburg Cemetery in the Town of Holland.

Visitation will be held at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Wednesday, October 2, 2013, from 4:00-8:00pm and on Thursday, at church from 9:00am until the time of service.

For online condolences and additional information please visit, www.wenigfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in his name.