Norman E. Smith

Norman E. Smith, age 90, of Westford Township, passed away quietly on Saturday, November 29, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer with his loving wife and children by his side. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Dec.6th at Annunciation Catholic Parish, in Fox Lake at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. Michael L. Wild as celebrant. A visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6th at Annunciation Catholic Parish from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus. A Celebration of Norman’s life will continue after the burial at the Beaver Dam American Legion, 300 Beichl Ave, Beaver Dam, WI 53916. The oldest of 5 children, Norman was born on January 5, 1924 in Springvale, Wisconsin to Newton and Viola (Rohrbeck) Smith. He married Rosella Marie Schraufnagel on April 22, 1947. They first met at the Park Pavilion in Columbus. Shortly before that, Norman had just come home from serving his country as a Seaman First Class in the U.S. Navy. He served from May 19, 1943 to March 26, 1946. Together Norman and Rosella (Rosie) raised 5 children. Faith in life and in each other kept them together for more than 67 years. During those years Norman worked for Wisconsin Improvement Co. for about 17 years, than later was employed by Westra Construction for 17 years. Norman was involved with the Dodge County Fair each year and with the 4-H kids. He was president of the Beaver Pigeon and Bantam Club for about 50 years, with shows in the spring and fall. Norman loved to joke around with people, just to make them laugh. His favorite color was yellow. He enjoyed hunting and making things with his hands, constructing housing and pens for the various birds that he raised. Norman is survived by: his wife Rosella (Rosie) of Westford Township; his children – Gary (Karol) Smith of Cottage Grove, Sherry Smith of North Fond du Lac, Bonita (Michael) Laue of Juneau; daughter-in-law, Ilene Smith of Columbus; brother, Lyle (Shirley) Smith; brother-in-law, Kenneth Willie; 10 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Norman now resides in heaven with his parents Newton Smith and Viola (Rohrbeck) Smith Cass, his 2 brothers Gerald Smith and Lawrence Smith, his sister Aylene, and 2 sons Michael Smith and Timothy Smith. The Smith family would like to thank the staff at Golden Years Living Manor in Randolph for the kindness and care that was given to Norman. Bless you for everything. The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.koepsellfh.com.