David "Dave" P. Smith

David P. Smith, age 82, was born on June 29, 1942, to Harvey and Eleanor (Strick) Smith. A 1960 graduate of Kaukauna High School, he was affectionately known by many as "Popeye." Dave passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 with his family by his side.

Dave married the love of his life, Marianne (Acker) Smith, on August 31, 1966. They shared 58 wonderful years together before his passing. Dave is survived by his children: Aimee (Troy) Johnson of Kimberly, WI, and their children Kian Johnson (special friend Brenda) of Hartford, WI, Alek Johnson (fiancé Amber Chevalier) and their children Maverick and Kehlani; Rebecca (Mark) Vande Hey of Kaukauna, WI, and their children McKenna Vande Hey (Great Bend, KS) and David Vande Hey (Kaukauna, WI); Steve’s daughters Samantha (Jacob) Waldschmidt of Sherwood, WI and their daughter Oliva, and Brianna (Mason) Guild of Green Bay, WI; and his daughter-in-law, Mary Bloy-Smith of Kaukauna, WI, and her children Nicole (Dan) Wilk, and their children Kylie and Colton (Gray's Lake, IL), and Ashley (Adam) Linsmeyer, along with their children Brynn, Gemma, Rylie, and Nolan (Mondovi, WI).

He is also survived by close family friend Janet Pogrant, goddaughters Polly Hietpas and Maria Braun, his special cousin John (Joyce) Smith and his puppy, Lucy. Dave's siblings include Dan (Lyn) Smith, Deb (Bob) Kiley, Diane (Mike) Siebold, and Doug (Mary Lee) Smith. He is further survived by his sister- and brothers-in-law: William (Sandy) Acker, Louise (Don) Van Hammond, Sue (Ted) Van Dyke, Jean (Rita) Acker-Halbur, George (Victoria) Acker, Sarah (Todd) Wittman, Polly (Marv) Hietpas, Tony (Rueben) Acker, along with many loving nieces, nephews and other family members. Dave was preceded in death by his son, Steve Smith; parents Harvey and Eleanor Smith; parents-in-law George and Lois Acker; goddaughter Paula Smith; and great-grandson Jace Linsmeyer.

Dave was passionate about the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends. He found joy in a good card game, an old-fashioned cocktail, and a roaring campfire. A dedicated volunteer, Dave supported activities for his children, worked with Walleye’s for Tomorrow, and contributed to the WIR Race Track. He was also an active member of the Ghost Rods car club in Kaukauna. Dave spent the majority of his career at Gustman’s of Kaukauna, where he worked for 40 years, contributing to the community and making lasting connections.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 411 Vandenbroek St, Little Chute, WI 54140. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

The Smith family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to St. Elizabeth Hospital, St. Paul Elder Services, and Compassus Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Dave over the past several years.