Service Details
Visitation will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM. Funeral services celebrating Bill’s life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2065 Geneva Street, Racine on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 10:00AM with visitation from 9:00AM until the time of service, which will be officiated by Rev. David Gehne. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to Racine Lutheran High School or St. Jude Children Research Hospital have been suggested.
Racine – William (Bill) Donald Smith, age 92, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
Bill was born in Racine on October 26, 1932 to the late Edward and Louise (nee: Singstock) Smith. Bill graduated in 1951 from Racine Lutheran High School. After graduation, Bill enlisted in the Air Force and faithfully served our country until his honorable discharge in 1956. On September 4, 1954, he was united in marriage with Darlene “Tuddie” Drinkwater. Their blessed union brought four children; Debbie, Scott, Brett and Brian. After serving in the military, Bill was employed at American Motors and Styberg Engineering, where he retired after 41 years of service. Bill enjoyed getting together for breakfast with family and friends. He also enjoyed reading books in his chair, and watching all sports, especially wrestling. His greatest enjoyment was watching his kids and grandkids playing sports, in particular the Lutheran High School football games.
Bill will be sadly missed by his children, Debbie Honore, Racine, Scott (Cindy) Smith, Racine, Brett (Tina) Smith, Lincoln, NE, and Brian (Julianne) Smith, Mount Pleasant; grandchildren, Shannon (Will) Johnson, Shane Honore, Brittany Smith, Casey (Danielle) Smith, Cody (Stephanie) Smith, Tanner (Jamie) Smith, Brock Smith, Marie (Austin) Reagles and Ryan Smith; great grandchildren, Maliyah, Leilana, Bryce, Austin, Collin, Madden, Macklin, Noah, Zoie, Noah, Ava, Austin Jr, Taytum and Kamden; sister-in-law, Carole (Drinkwater) Carbonneau; niece, Renee (Sean) Bradley and their son, Connor; and his friend, Tom Kraftzenk. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; father, Edward and mother, Louise; sister, Loretta Lindeman and brother-in-law, Ray Lindeman; father-in-law, Irving Drinkwater and mother-in-law, Clara Drinkwater; granddaughter-in-law, Cindy Honore.
Visitation will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM. Funeral services celebrating Bill’s life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2065 Geneva Street, Racine on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 10:00AM with visitation from 9:00AM until the time of service, which will be officiated by Rev. David Gehne. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials to Racine Lutheran High School or St. Jude Children Research Hospital have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Nicholas Pryomski for his compassionate care given to Bill.
Thomas Kraftzenk says
You were what they call a Best Friend! Want you to know you will be truly missed.
Ronald Fox says
It’s hard to bid a good friend goodby but knowing ” Bill ” has run his course , makes it able to accept. ” Bill ” and I had some great moments and time to share our friendship watching the Lutheran Football team practice and play many games. It was my pleasure to know Bill and share time together . I will miss him greatly and my prayers will be with his family at this time. THANK YOU BILL AND FAMILY !!!!!!
Brian Smith says
We were truly blessed to have you as our Dad. You enjoyed almost 65 years with Mom and were there for all of us. Such a kind, easy going, mild mannered man and a great mentor to us. You had a strong faith and we know you are now in heaven with Mom. Although we no longer have you with us, your memories will live on forever with us.
Godspeed and Rest in Peace Dad.
Love, Brian
William Johnson says
Bill you will be greatly missed, I appreciate your hospitality, and genuine kindness, thank you!!! We were Blessed just knowing you, Get some rest we will see you again, and enjoy your company God Bless you, Mr Smith , travel well ,