Bernard "David" Smith

Racine- Bernard “David” Smith, 70, passed away at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital on Wednesday, January 10, 2007, as the result of a tragic auto-pedestrian accident which took place on Tuesday. Dave was born in La Farge, WI on July 7, 1936, to the late Bernard and Jeanne (nee: Gillingham) Smith. He has lived in Racine since 1963. Following graduation from La Farge High School, David earned his teaching certificate from the Vernon County Teachers College. He went on to receive his B.A. degree from UW-LaCrosse and his Master’s degree from UW-Milwaukee. Dave proudly taught elementary school with Racine Unified at Caddy Vista, Crestview and Schulte Schools for about 20 years until 1976. He then became an insurance agent with Prudential Life for 20 years. In 1994, he founded Smith Lawn Care, LLC, a company he owned and operated with the help of his children, and was still currently running as a sole proprietor. On April 20, 1968, in First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea, MN, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Arlene Idella Dilling. Dave was an active member of Christ Church-United Methodist. Among his interests, he enjoyed flower gardening, tending to his 36 beautiful rose bushes, coin collecting, and was a self-taught computer expert. A true family man of extreme faith and belief, he placed his God and his family as top priority in his life. He will be missed immensely! Surviving are his loving wife of over 38 years, Arlene; his children, Robert Smith of Kenosha, Allis (Dan Jr.) Neeley of Harrod, OH; Scott David Smith of Portland, OR; Peter David (Janet) Smith of Milwaukee; and Cheryl Arlene (Jason) Vorwald of West Allis; his cherished grandchildren, Sara and Bobby Smith; Jeanette, Dan and Erik Neeley; and Paige and Lauren Vorwald; sisters, Jeanne Ann Whitmore of Mayville and Cora (Jim) Dwyer of Colgate; brother-in-law, Keith Dilling of Andover, MN; and by many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Peggy Sue Smith; in-laws, Eldon and Idella Dilling; and sister-in-law, Linda Dilling. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2007 at 11:00 am at Christ Church-United Methodist, 5109 Washington Ave., with Rev. Awilda Nolla officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home, 4600 County Line Rd., on Friday (tonight) from 4-8 pm and in the church on Saturday from 10-11 am. In memory of Dave, memorials may be made to the family for disbursement to charitable organizations that will be decided at a later date or to Christ Church United Methodist. A heartfelt note of thanks to the first responders on the police and fire depts., medical staff at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center, Flight For Life, and the trauma team at Froedtert for doing everything in their power in trying to save Dave’s life. God bless all of you.