Service Details
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2020, 2:00pm until 4:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on Monday, February 24, 2020, 11:00am, at the funeral home. Visitation on Monday will be from 10:00am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.
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Racine – J. David Smith, known to many as “Smitty”, 75, passed away at Ascension – All Saints on Friday, February 14, 2020, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Jackson, MS, on March 1, 1944, son of the late Paul and Nellie (Née: Gillis) Smith.
Dave was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Nancy L. Schumaker, on May 4, 1968, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Racine.
Dave graduated from Park High School in 1962. He worked as a customer service consultant for Gordon Auto Parts, Schaefer Motors, and finally for Palmen Motors until his retirement. Dave was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed hunting with his buddies. He was a member of Kenosha Bowmen. Dave enjoyed woodworking and gardening. He enjoyed growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and usually one mystery vegetable every year. Dave also enjoyed working the daily crossword puzzle in the newspaper and getting help from Nancy on the ones he couldn’t get. Above all, Dave loved his family tremendously and will be dearly missed.
Dave leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of over 51 years, Nancy Smith; daughter, Melissa Taggart; granddaughters, Taylor (Jon) Baker, Meghann Taggart; great-grandchildren, Raelynn Taggart, Amos Baker; brother-in-law, Scott Tangerstrom; sister-in-law, Colleen Schumaker; nieces, Bethany Tangerstrom, Sarah Tangerstrom; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
In addition to his parents, Dave is preceded in death by his sister, Susan Tangerstrom.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2020, 2:00pm until 4:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on Monday, February 24, 2020, 11:00am, at the funeral home. Visitation on Monday will be from 10:00am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.
The family would like to say “Thank You” to Alyssa and Alex from the All Saints ICU for the care given to our family during this difficult time.
Robin and Terry Lunn says
Dave was my best friend and my best man in my wedding to Robin.
I just wish I could have visited with him again before his death.
Much love to Nancy and family.
Al Dandeneau says
From across the miles, sympathy goes out to the Smith family—-It was with pleasure that I was involved with this gentle man among softball ventures—-He was athletic and a winner in the various aspects of life and doing—-He will be remembered as a friendly sport
Susan says
I am so sorry for your loss! Smitty was such a kind man and has such a loving family.
Susan PTA
Ascension at Home
Jon and Judy Campolo says
How do you sum up a man and his life? Hard to do. But for Smitty, some things about him and his life were glaring. For me, His friendship was genuine! Always giving/ sharing. His Great Love for Family was evident every time we talked. The biggest Heart you’ll ever find. A great laugh always there to share. An Honest, Noble person that you could depend on. Always giving of himself. Passionate about the things he got involved in, gave it his all. When something needed to done He was there. As a friend I will miss him so very much. I am blessed to have known him, and proud to call him Friend. May God Bless and Care for Him and His Loved Ones.