Our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Robert Paul Smith left the Earth on August 8, 2024, at the age of 95. Bob was in good health, but God must have decided it was time for him to be reunited with his beloved wife, Brenda. Bob was born April 3, 1929, the son of Harold R. Smith and Clara Bardell Smith in Freeport, IL. Bob and his folks were lifelong members of First Lutheran Church of Freeport, IL. He graduated from Freeport High School, attended Carthage College, Illinois College-Jacksonville and the University of Illinois-Champaign. He was admitted to practice of law in Illinois and his chosen career was in trust banking. He served as an officer in the US Navy, stationed in Patuxent River (Maryland) Naval Base. Bob was in active duty from 1955 to 1959 and was honorably discharged as the rank of Lieutenant. Bob was a Trust Officer for the State Bank of Freeport until 1971 when he joined the First National Bank & Trust of Monroe, Wisconsin. He retired in 1994 as Sr. Vice-President & Sr. Trust Officer. Bob met (Florence) Brenda Jones of Barrow-n-Furness, England, by happenstance in Freeport, IL and they married in 1954. They enjoyed curling at the Alpine Curling Club of Monroe, WI, playing bridge and traveling extensively. Bob became a lifelong fisherman and fulfilled the family dream by owning a cabin on Long Lake, Wisconsin, the Silvermohawk. They enjoyed fishing and hosting family and friends each summer and of course the endless hours of playing cribbage, and usually winning. Bob and Brenda joined Grace Lutheran Church when they moved to Monroe in 1971 and served the church in many different capacities. Bob was President of the Monroe United Way, Treasurer of both the Monroe Arts Center and the New Glarus Home; Board member of Blackhawk Technical College, President of the Alpine Curling Club, served as Board member of Long Lake Indianhills Condo Association; was a member of Kiwanis; and the Monroe Country Club, where he enjoyed playing golf. But his favorite pastime was being an avid member of the Literary Society, their great get-togethers was a friendship unlike any other. Bob was a Life-Long Cub Fan and was absolutely delighted to have witnessed their World Series Win! He also enjoyed his Badger football and basketball games.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Karen Smith-Affolter (Michael) of Mesa, AZ; Patricia Smith of Apache Junction, AZ; and Janet Smith-Bennett (Ron Wagman) of Madison, WI. His grandchildren: Christina Newport-Deblack (Darren), Meghann Gintz (Victor), Robert Schottenbauer, Sean Bennett and Kailey Bennett. His great-grandchildren: Caden Erickson, Maximus, Jase and Andrew Deblack and Penelope Gintz. Ronnie, Tania, Giana Wagman and Malorie Wagman (Andrew Blinn). His “sister” Donna Gallager; sister-in-law, Pat Jones, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Brenda, of 50 years; his parents and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and cousins.

Service will be held Friday, August 23, 2024 at 11AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 1025 15th Avenue, Monroe, WI with Pastor John Tabaka officiating. Dad requested in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Grace Lutheran Church or to the charity of your choice. Interment will take place with a private family service at Chapel of Peace Mausoleum, Oakland Cemetery, Freeport, IL.

Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.