Joseph R. Smith

Joseph (Joe) Robert Smith, 58, unexpectedly passed away at home on November 30, 2024, with his faithful grand-puppy, Wrigley, by his side.

Joe was born on March 15, 1966, in Hartford, Wisconsin to John Smith and Shirley (nee Raasch) Farrell. Joe started at an early age working for his grandfather and grandmother at Scenic View Country Club. Later in life, he would go to Scenic View to play a hole or two and then run off and come back with a trash bag full of found golf balls, knowing all the best places. At eighteen, Joe, at the request of his mother, donned a suit and interviewed for a maintenance position at Serigraph Inc. This led to Joe working for the Ramsthal family for the last 40 years.

Joe was a person who had to have or experience everything once in his life, and his friends lovingly referred to him as “Rodney” (Dangerfield). He had many different cars, such as a VW Thing, which he turned into an Acapulco-style Mexican cab. He also loved to travel all over the world with his family. During one memorable trip, Joe and his family ended up driving up a mountainous walking path looking for Eagle’s Nest in Germany after following the GPS in German. The people trying to walk up the mountain were not pleased, hitting the car with their walking poles. When turning the car around, Joe and his family almost drove off a cliff.

Joe was an avid lover of blown and stained glass, crystals, old TV shows like MASH and Andy Griffin, anything Disney-related, and snorkeling with sea turtles. You could often find Joe out on the town at dinner with his friends and family, putzing around in his new candle workshop, or going to craft fairs.

Those left to cherish Joe’s memory include the mother of his two children Gail Smith, his children, Chelsea (Josh) Smith Press of Chicago, Joe (Katy) Smith of Madison, his cherished granddaughter, Nora Smith, and his grand-puppy, Wrigley. His brother, John (Theresa) Smith, cousin Kenny (Teri) Rayeske, and countless other extended family members will forever remember his bigger-than-life personality.

Joe is also survived by his father John Smith, stepmother June Smith, stepfather Gerald Farrell, and many lifelong friends, including Frank Romano and Steve Keith. Joe is preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Farrell, his grandparents, Robert and Theresa Raasch, and aunts and uncles.

VISITATION: Joe’s family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 12:00 until 2:30 p.m., at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend, WI.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Following visitation, there will be a brief service at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service. Following the service, a celebration of life will also be held at 4 p.m. at Scenic View Country Club 4415 Club Dr, Slinger, WI 53086. Burial to take place at a later date.

MEMORIALS: Joe had a big heart, and he loved sea turtles. In lieu of flowers, please donate to See Turtles at www.seeturtles.org/give to honor Joe’s love for the ocean and sea turtles.

Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Joe’s arrangements. Additional information and tribute wall can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.