Richard H.E. Smith, age 82, of West Bend, passed away Monday February 27, 2012 at St. Joseph's Hospital in the Town of Polk.
He was born on July 12, 1929 in Wauwatosa to the late Hilbert and Edna (nee Klumb) Smith. Dick graduated from Wauwatosa High School in the class of 1947. Dick then attended UW Madison and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1952.
On September 19, 1953 Dick was united in marriage to Marilyn Jensen in Milwaukee. He then served in the United States Army, and was stationed in Berlin. After his discharge they moved to West Bend and Dick became employed at the West Bend Company as a Design Engineer. At the time of his retirement he was the Manager of Manufacturing. He was also Chairman of the Board and later President of the West Bend Company Employee Credit Union for several years.
Dick was an active member of Salem United Church of Christ and sang in the church choir. He was a member and Past Master of the West Bend Masonic Lodge # 138 F & AM, along with being a DeMolay advisor. Dick was one of the co-founders of the Musical Masquers, and played trumpet in the River City Irregulars Band. He had a great love for abandoned and homeless animals.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn; three sons, Richard (Leah) Smith II of Palentine, IL, Tim (Juel) Smith of Green Bay, and Peter (Debbie) Smith of West Bend; nine grandchildren, Bradd (Alissa), Anthony (Laura), Alexander (Catrina), Mason, Lauren, Alexandria, Alyssa, Eric, and Adam; six great-grandchildren, Darren, Bryce, Zachary, Lily, Eleanor, and Skyler; A sister, Jean Bauer of Shorewood; a sister-in-law, Edith (George) VanHart of Atlanta, GA; two brothers-in-law, Richard (Gail) Jensen of Mesa, AZ, and Tom (Ronna) Jensen of Ogden, UT; other relatives and many friends.
A Masonic service in remembrance of Dick will be held on Monday March 5th at 7:00 pm at the Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington St. West Bend. A memorial service will immediately follow, with Rev. Dan Schultz officiating. Visitation will be Monday at the funeral home from 4:00 pm until the time of services. Memorials to Musical Masquers are appreciated by the family.