Walter Thomas Smiley Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Walter Thomas Smiley Jr. Age 94, passed away on November 11, 2018 in Madison. He was born in Chicago, IL on December 13, 1923 to Walter and Mae Smiley. His time growing up was spent between their home in cicero, IL and the family cabin on Boot Lake in Springstead. He received an undergraduate degree in Agriculture form UW-Madison and a graduate degree in Poultry Science from U of I-Champaign. He enlisted in the US Air Force where he served as a flight engineer. On October 1, 1949 he married his wife of 69 years, Jean (Benedetti) Smiley. After their marriage they relocated to Marion, Ohio where hs started and poultry farm and raised his six children. He always found time to return to his beloved Book Lake several times a year for hunting and fishing, eventually retiring there. He is survived by: His wife Jean Smiley of Springstead His children: Diane (Larry) Glen of Bartlett, IL Tom (Nick) Smiley of Stoughton Sharon (Mark) Andrus Chicago, IL Dan Smiley Belgium, WI Mark (Julie) Smiley Baraboo His daughter-in-law Joyce Smiley of Apopka, FL (9)grandchildren, (6)great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Mike Smiley. A memorial service will be held on Thursday November 15, 2018 at 11:00am at the Novitzke Funeral Home Chapel in Park Falls. Fr. Shaji Pazhukkathara will officiate. Military honors will follow under the auspices of the Park Falls American Legion and VFW Posts. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00am until the hour of the service. Memorials can be made to Agrace Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway; Madison, WI 53711 or at: agrace.org/donate The Novitzke Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.novitzkefuneralhome.com

Walter Thomas Smiley

December 13, 1923 - November 11, 2018