- Smits, Dennis J.
Dennis J. Smits, 50, 3568 Rolling Hill Dr., Pulaski, died June 21, 2004, peacefully at home with his family at his side. He was born Oct. 30, 1953, in Green Bay, to the late Gordon and Audrey (Dubois) Smits. Dennis was baptized on Nov. 8, 1953, and received his First Communion at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church. On March 30, 1967, he was confirmed at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Green Bay. Dennis graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1972.
On April 20, 1985, he married Ludene Balke at St. Peters Lutheran Church, Pella Opening. They have one son, Barrett, who is a senior at Pulaski High School. For a number of years the family attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Green Bay and at the time of his death, Dennis was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Green Bay.
Dennis was employed at Lindquist Machine in Green Bay as an assembler and painter for 29 years until his layoff on Sept. 14, 2001. He then was employed by Schrieber Foods (Green Bay Creamery), until production of cream cheese was moved to an out-of-state plant. He worked for a short time at Saputa Foods in Lena before joining the sanitation team at Green Bay Cheese Co. Dennis very much enjoyed his job and coworkers at Green Bay Cheese. Their support during his illness was awesome and will always be remembered.
Dennis's hobbies included a lifetime interest in model railroading, 13 years of coaching Allouez youth soccer, do-it-yourself projects, "playing farmer" and most recently water gardening. Dennis will always be remembered for the care and respect he had for others, his strong work ethic and attention to detail.
Dennis is survived by wife and best friend, Ludene; son, Barrett; and four dogs, Beaner, Breeze, Stormy and Blaze; his brother, Gordon Smits (Katye), Freedom and their daughters, Nicole Smits (Lance Marheine) and Courtney (Kurt) Rosin; mother-in-law, Elda Balke, Shawano; sister-in-law, Constance (Victor) Kratzke, Shawano and their daughters, Julia (Steve) Hoffmann and Kathryn Kratzke; sister-in-law, Jeanette (William) McGlone, Hilbert and their children, Lisa fianc Andy Fochs), Troy (friend, Becky Cummings), Amanda and Joshua; numerous aunts and uncles and cousins. Dennis was the proud godfather of David Lonzo and Nicole Smits.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Audrey and Gordon Smits; father-in-law, Lorenzo Balke; and special pets, Corky, Lady, Bear, Paws and Ice.
Friends and family may call at Peace Lutheran Church, 1954 County Road U, Green Bay, on Sunday, June 27, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. when a memorial service will be held with Pastor Don Behrendt officiating.
Dennis' family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of St. Mary's Hospital for their care and compassion on June 3, when Dennis' illness was diagnosed, Unity Hospice staff, especially Steve, Linda and Judy, Dottie and the sanitation team at Green Bay Cheese and the many friends and family who were there to support us during this time, especially Aunt Donna and Uncle Archie.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Peace Lutheran Church Building Fund, Unity Hospice, Pulaski Area Food Pantry or the Brown County Humane Society.
Proko-Wall Funeral Home & Crematory, 1630 E. Mason St., Green Bay, is assisting the family with arrangements.
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1953 - 2004 (50 years)
Obituary
