Richard R. Smith, age 86, of Monticello passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025 at the New Glarus Home. Richard was born January 29, 1939 in Monroe to Richard M and Ruth (Bissig) Smith. Richard grew up on the Smith Family Farm in Washington Township with siblings Joanne and Kenny. He farmed with his father and helped his uncle make cheese in his youth and attended Loveland School until 8th grade. Richard took over operation of the farm at 15 years old and farmed full time while attending Monticello High School, graduating with the Class of 1956.
Richard married Bonnie Kubly at Zwingli United Church of Christ in Monticello on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1960. Richard and Bonnie shared 41 years of marriage together before Bonnie’s passing in 2001, farming together and raising their family - sons Brian, Allan, and Randall and daughter Carolyn. Richard was the fourth generation on the Smith Family Farm and was honored to have the farm recognized by the State of Wisconsin as Century Farm in 1982. He was proud of the Smith Family farm history and that the farm has continued as a family operation. After retiring from farming, Richard spent time working as a local insurance agent, a crop adjuster and appraiser, cheese packer at Brennan’s Market, and most recently, as the student supervisor at the Monticello High School home volleyball and basketball games.
A lifetime resident of Washington Township, Richard was very proud to live in Green County, and he gave back to his community in many ways over the years including serving on the Monticello Lions Club, the Monticello Community Club, the Monticello School Board, and the Green County Board of Supervisors. He also proudly served his country as a member of the Army National Guard. His involvement in local politics earned him the loving nickname of “The Governor.” Though he had traveled to several states and enjoyed an annual fishing trip to Canada for many years, Richard truly felt that Green County is the best place on Earth.
Richard liked to be busy and enjoyed the satisfaction of a job well done. He liked to care for his home and property. A true farmer at heart, he enjoyed growing sweet corn and pumpkins. For many years, he invited the Monticello Schools 4K and kindergarten students to his pumpkin patch each fall for a hayride and to pick out a pumpkin. Playing cards was an enjoyable pastime, especially a good game of euchre, poker, or pinochle. Limburger cheese was a favorite food, as was breakfast at the M and M Cafe in Monticello most mornings. You could often find him driving in Monticello, stopping to visit with friends and local businesses. Deer hunting was a special time that he enjoyed with his family from near and far every year. Richard spent many hours watching his children and grandchildren play high school sports and show cattle at the Green County Fair. He was a strong supporter of high school athletics, 4-H, and FFA. Richard liked family get-togethers with his ever expanding family. He was very proud to be Grandpa Smith to 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Richard will be greatly missed by his loving family ~ Son Brian and Brian’s children Britta (Brandon), Keaton (Samantha), Kraymer, and Koy and grandchildren Bryton, Finley, Tucker, Della, and Decker, Son Allan (Dee) and Al’s children Ryan M (Sarah), Rachel (Matt), Ross (Katelyn) and Sam (Maddie) and grandchildren Reid, Kubly, and Behrett, Son Randall (Jane) and Randall’s children Kristen (Shane), Nicole, Tanya (TJ), and Ryan (Lindsay) and grandchildren Cedric, Teddy, Eliza, Lena, and James, and daughter Carolyn (David) and her sons Ian and Derek. Richard is also survived by sister, Deby; nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025 at Zwingli UCC, Monticello, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, May 13, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mary Gafner officiating. Inurnment will follow in Highland Cemetery, Monticello.
Memorials can be made to the Monticello Excellence in Education Fund, the Monticello Foundation, or the Monticello FFA Alumni. The Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
