Obit: Smrstick, Eugene Wenzel (1928 - 2017)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Charmley, Cleere, Habeck, Hesse, McNamarra, Mjelde, Schultz, Smrstick, Vaughn, Weber

----Source: The Ladysmith News (Ladysmith, WI) 12/20/2017

Smrstick, Eugene Wenzel (17 AUG 1928 - 14 DEC 2017)

Eugene Wenzel Smrstick, 89, of Wausau, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, at Aspirus Hospice House.

Eugene was born in Catawba to the late Anton and Cynthia (Weber) Smrstick on Aug. 17, 1928. He graduated from high school in Tony as valedictorian of his class. He married his high school sweetheart Irma Charmley in Ladysmith on Nov 18, 1950.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in January of 1951 and served during the Korean War. During January of 1953 he was transferred to the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in March of 1957.

While in high school and in the Army, Eugene, was an undefeated featherweight boxer. He followed his father’s footsteps working on the railroad from 1945 to 1951 and from 1953 to 1956. He then began a career as manager of G.M. Pokey’s in Wausau, he retired after 37 years.

Eugene will be fondly remembered for his kindness, tender heart and silly Smrstick sense of humor. He was very proud and had a strong work ethic. He was the kind of person who always put others ahead of himself and always was ready to help someone in need. His family and faith were the most important in his life.

If Dad could express his thoughts now he would say, “We are shaped by that which comes before. My life began with a loving mother and father with lots of brothers and sisters. Look at all of you, look at my wife and children. I am so thankful, so lucky to have had a full life with you.”

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Irma; his daughters, Pamela (Terry) Hesse, Cynthia (Allen) Habeck and Laurie (Dan) Mjelde; his son, Michael Smrstick; six grandchildren; one step-grandchild; three great-grandchildren and one due in the spring. He is also survived by his step-great-grandchildren; his sisters, Annette (Bob) Vaughn, Yvonne (Art) McNamarra and Cathy (John) Cleere; his brothers, LeRoy (Marlene), Gerald (Delores), Donald (Evy), Dennis (Bonnie), Robert (Bev) and Larry (Diane); many dear nieces and nephews; and a very special adopted family, Dave and Kelly Schultz and their daughter Rachel.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Anthony.

A private family service will be held.

The Helke Funeral Home in Wausau is assisting with the arrangements.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.