Smith, Lee

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 9209
• Obituary: 22 Feb 2015; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Lee Anthony Joseph Smith, age 56, was embraced by the arms of our Lord on February 19th, 2015 at his home in Neenah, Wisconsin, with his family by his side. Pancreatic cancer took his body but did not take the wisdom, laughter, joys, or spirit that will live on through the lives of all who have been touched by knowing him. Lee was born on November 23rd, 1958, in Appleton and grew up on the north shore of Lake Winnebago. He and his Lake Park gang of friends were known for their afternoon football games and developing a lifelong passion for fishing. In high school, he followed his interests that led to power mechanics and automobiles; his robin-egg blue 1964 Impala SS could be seen (and heard) for miles. He graduated from Appleton East High School in 1976 and earned his welding certifications, which lead him to working as a welder and, eventually, as a project and materials planner for Oshkosh Truck, The Leach Corporation, General Electric and Fox Valley Iron & Metal. He was passionate about art and took pride as the owner of Smithy's Garden Arts, designing and vending metal art with his family, and creating metal sculptures for local businesses and private clients within the community.
He is survived by his bride and best friend, Vicki Moen; sons Cal and Gavin; Vicki's children Corey (Katherine) and Emily Moen; parents Carl and Eileen Smith; brothers Mike (Diane) and Tom (Donna); sisters Carleen Smith, Kathy (John) Josephs and Patricia (Cyril) Ellenbecker. He is also survived by the mother of his sons and former wife, Deb Smith; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Lee had a great number of friends and was specially blessed with the friendships of Tom & Linda Kopiske and Bryan & Kathy Stoll.
Lee never allowed a schedule to interfere with his traveling and adventuring interests: if there was a road less traveled that led to a waterfall, natural beauty, or unique regional attraction, he and Vicki would investigate and report to their family and friends about their glorious finds. He was a teacher, role model, and hero to his sons and a proud trout fisherman, eager to claim the prize for the largest fish. The tremendous trout of the Pike River will miss seeing his spinner bait flash in front of them, and his trout hunting friends at the Father & Sons Trout Camp will miss him dearly, beyond words.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 27, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church, 200 Church Street in Neenah, WI at 4:30 PM. Lee directed to his loved ones that he was to be cremated and his ashes distributed to close family and friends at a private family service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.
Westgor Funeral Home
205 W. Doty Ave.
Neenah 722-7151
Online condolences: www.westgorfuneralhomes.com
The family would like to thank the care and support of Dr. Gremminger and her Oncology team, Affinity Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care for their love, care, and support during Lee's final stage of life on earth.