Louis J. Smith

   Louie was born along with his twin sister Bessie on April 18, 1922 in Racine, WI.  He was the son of John and Jane Simopulos who immigrated to the United States from Greece.  He graduated from Park High School in 1939.  He enlisted and proudly serviced in World War II in the United States Air Force, South Pacific Theater division as a B-24 gunner from 1940-1944.   Louie founded the Canteen Pharmacy, his beloved store, in 1954, where his brother Andy joined him.  He nurtured and transformed the store with his God given business skills and marketing talents over the years.  It was one of the first Hallmark Card Shops in the country to offer full post office services as well as the long standing pharmacy services.   On October 9, 1955 he married Louise A. Gentile.  Together they had four children, Cindy, Susan, David and Nancy.  After becoming a father, Louie had a new mission.  To love, support, educate and ensure his kids had every opportunity to achieve success and financial independence.  The Canteen was sold in 1987 and Louis moved to Marco Island, Florida where he remarried and started another successful Hallmark Card Shop, Pat’s Hallmark.  He sold that store in 2005 and finally began his “retirement”.  He and his wife Patricia moved to Naples, Florida where they lived until 2014.   They relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 2014 to be closer to family.  Louie lived at the Inn at Olentangy Trail, an assisted living facility, until he passed peacefully.   

   Louie loved his sport cars, music, the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears, golfing, dogs and of course most of all PEOPLE!  He proudly served on the Board of Directors for many years at the First Wisconsin Bank of Racine and Fifth Third Bank, Naples, Florida.

   He is survived by his second wife Patricia Smith, his children Cindy and (Jim) Madson, Racine, WI, Susan Smith, Greenfield, WI, David and (Kelli) Smith, Greenfield, WI and Nancy Smith, Pfafftown, NC and his  grandchildren, James and (Pauline) Madson, Houston, TX,  Jeri and (Jared) Logan, Kansas City, MO, Lauren Madson, Oak Creek, WI, Samantha Smith, and Nicolas Smith, Greenfield, WI; six great grandchildren and his brother Andrew Smith, his adored sister Minerva (Minnie) Holz and many nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his three step children, five step grandchildren and 16 step great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his first wife Louise A. Smith, his father and mother, John and Jane Simopulos, his sisters Mary Ulrich, Angeline Kapellusch, and Bessie Petak (his twin).

    Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2015 for time to meet with his family from 10am until noon.  A service celebrating and remembering his life will follow at noon with military honors.  Memorials in Louie’s honor have been suggested to:  Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, Parkinson’s Association, American Heart Association, Humane Society or any charity of your choice in honor of Louie.

 Louie’s children gratefully thank the loving staff at the Inn at Olentangy Trail for taking such good care of him and for enjoying him and his love of people!  God bless you all!