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!