Racine- Cordell Arlen Smebak, 76, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center, on Tuesday, September 13, 2011.
Cordell was born in Roseau, Minnesota on September 5, 1935 to the late Alfred and Clara (nee: Lang) Smebak. Following high school, he went on to faithfully serve our Country with the United States Air Force at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV from 1955-1963.
On January 20, 2005, Cordell was united in marriage with Judith Ellen (nee: Burke) Smebak. For over 45 years, he was employed as a heavy equipment operator on highways/bridges and was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 139. Among his interests, Cordell enjoyed auto racing at Hales Corners Speedway, snowmobiling, dancing, country music, motorcycling and camping. Above all, he loved being in the surroundings of his entire family.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Judith; children, Cordell Smebak Jr., Corleen (John) Shaw, Mark Smebak, Doreen (Edward) Heyton and Kristine Smebak; step-children, Michael (Mickey) Burke Sr., Kelly Biondich and Mark (Debbie) Burke; many special grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren too numerous to mention all by name; sisters, Myrtle Carlson and LaVonne Barber; brother-in-law, Clifford (Lucy) Hartman; sisters-in-law, Doral Young, Marilyn Merrill and Carol (Mike) Watson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Cordell was preceded in death by his sister, Arlone (Clifford) Carlson; and brothers-in-law, Gordon Carlson and Merlin Barber.
Funeral services will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 7 pm with Rev. J.D. Millar officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-7 pm. In accordance with Cordell’s wishes, cremation will follow the services. Entombment, with military honors, will take place at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (21731 Spring St. Union Grove, WI 53182) on Wednesday, September 21st at 1 pm. In honor of Cordell, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association has been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff of Becker-Shoop Center for the compassionate care and support given over the past three years. May God bless all of you!
Jim & Wanda Scholl says
Our deepest sympathies.
cordell smebaks youngest daughter, krissy smebak says
My dearest father.. Finally dad your free from what u mostly feared before your illness began…u will always be remembered as my hero daddy..i can still hear your laugh,your encouraging words, (dame it krissy! all i want is to see is u to stop drinking! n get your shit together n take care of your kids!before i die! u bratt..)lol TY DAD! wow i miss u so much already..i love u n wont ever forget u dad..may u rest in peace whereever u want! CAUSE YOUR FREE NOW! MY FOREVER LOVE..YOUR LITTLE BRATT DAUGHTER…krissy:-D
Alana Reiman says
Cordell will be sorely missed.
Cordell Smebak says
My beloved Husband, you are so missed already, my heart is so full of love and memories that we shared for so many years. I love and miss you so dearly. Judie
Joy Hall says
Thanks for all the good times and laughs.
Jim & Fay Hendricks says
We were saddened to learn of Cordell’s passing. He was a good racer and good friend.
Our hearts are with the family.
Corleen says
The time is gone, but my love for you goes on and on.I love you so very much and will always carry your strength and wisdom with me, all my days.Rest now Dad. Bye….
Martin & Lori Burke says
We express our deepest condolences to Cord’s entire family and may you hold wonderful memories of him within your hearts.
Teri Barwick says
Cord was a special person and will always hold a place in my heart. My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
doreen heytens says
Thank you for being the most wonderful dad in the world…The memories are flashing like crazy…Im truely blessed to have had so many…I remember how we could sit and talk for hours,I will cherish that always dad…I love you, and will miss you ever so much…
doreen heytens says
Thank you for being the most wonderful dad in the world…The memories are flashing like crazy…Im truely blessed to have had so many…I remember how we could sit and talk for hours,I will cherish that always dad…I love you, and will miss you ever so much…
Bob Andersen says
Judy, I was sorry to hear of Cord's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. I enjoyed our years of friendship as your tax advisor.
Alzheimer's Association of Southeastern Wisconsin says
On behalf of everyone here at the Alzheimer's Association – thank you so much for thinking of us at this time of loss to your family. Memorial donations made in Cordell's name will be put to immediate use serving families and supporting research. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom Hlavacek, Executive Directive
Denise Gutknecht says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Judie and family. Cord was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Thank you for all the great memories. Rest in peace, Denise
Diann Leonard says
My deepest sympathy goes out to all the family. The breif time I had known Mr. Smebak he was always warm, kind and had a smile and laugh that was just infectious! May God bless you all and Cordell, you won the race! It’s time to rest now.
cord smebak says
cordell smebak says