Darlene "Tuddie" D. Smith

Service Details

Visitation will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, May 23^rd from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Funeral services celebrating Darlene’s life will be held on Friday, May 24^th at 9:00 am (viewing 8:30 – 9:00 am) at Trinity Lutheran Church (2065 Geneva Street, Racine, WI) with Rev. Stephen Jennings officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park.

Memorial Suggestions

Memorials to “Racine Lutheran High School Football Program” have been suggested.

Mount Pleasant – Darlene Dawn “Tuddie” Smith, age 82, passed away peacefully at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha on May 18, 2019.
Darlene was born on September 15, 1936 in the Town of Paris to the late Clara (Harmann) and Irving Drinkwater. Early in her life, Darlene enjoyed the peace of growing up on her parent’s farm. She rode horses, competed in 4H activities, and listened and danced to classic country music. She graduated from Union Grove High School at the age of 16. Darlene met the love of her life, William “Bill” Smith and married him on September 4th, 1954. They remained married for 64 years until her passing. Their blessed union brought four children Debbie, Scott, Brett and Brian.
She worked as an Administrative Assistant/Office Manager for Dr. Donovan DDS in the beginning of her career and then for Dr. Michael Thompson DPM for over 25 years – until she retired in 2002. Darlene’s personal life centered around her family and close friends. If there was anything you needed, she was there to help. She treated everyone fairly and offered kind words of support to everyone. Darlene enjoyed cooking, sharing recipes, attending her sons’ sporting events, especially frequent trips to Nebraska to see their college football games. Darlene went on an annual casino trip to Las Vegas with her family and friends; and on short trips with Bill and her friends to local casinos. She taught her grandchildren to play Go Fish. She regularly played cards with many dear friends at Humble Park and at the Bryant Center. Sheepshead was the name of the game with her sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Loretta and Ray Lindeman and dear friends.
Darlene will be sadly missed by her husband William “Bill”; their children, Debbie Honore – Racine, WI; Scott (Cindy) Smith – Caledonia, WI; Brett (Tina) Smith – Lincoln, NE; and Brian (Julianne) Smith – Mount Pleasant, WI; grandchildren, Shannon (Will) Johnson – Tucson, AZ; Shane (Cynthia) Honore – Caledonia, WI; Brittany Smith – Nashville, TN; Casey Smith – Racine, WI; Cody (Stephanie) Smith – Mount Pleasant, WI; Brock Smith – Lincoln, NE; Tanner Smith – Lincoln, NE; Marie Smith – Racine, WI; and Ryan Smith – Mount Pleasant, WI; great- grandchildren, Maliyah, Leilana, Bryce, Austin, Collin, and Ava; sister, Carole (Drinkwater) Carbonneau; niece, Renee (Sean) Bradley and their son, Conner of Racine, WI. Darlene will also be greatly missed by her lifelong friend, Pearl Bower and her special cousin, Shirley Poisl and many friends.
Darlene was preceded in death by her mother and father, Clara and Irving Drinkwater; infant brother, Marlin Irving Drinkwater; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Louise and Edward Smith; and her close friend, Elizabeth Rawlinko.
Visitation will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, May 23^rd from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Funeral services celebrating Darlene’s life will be held on Friday, May 24^th at 9:00 am (viewing 8:30 – 9:00 am) at Trinity Lutheran Church (2065 Geneva Street, Racine, WI) with Rev. Stephen Jennings officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials to “Racine Lutheran High School Football Program” have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Michael Mullane and the Aurora Medical Center Oncology Floor for the compassionate care & support given in Darlene’s time of need. May God bless all of you!