June 29, 2018 -West Bend, WI – John K. Smithers, age 81 years, of West Bend found peace on June 27, 2018 at Cedar Community after his battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.
John was born on May 28, 1937 in Minneapolis, MN to Harold and Hattie Smithers (Kraemer). On April 23, 1960, he was united in marriage to Susan J. Calhoun at St. Frances Cabrini Church in West Bend.
John attended Lakeland College in Sheboygan. He was employed by Gehl Co. for 40 years in the Sales and Marketing Department. He volunteered at Cedar Community which included both Foundation and Benevolent Corporation Board of Directors and he belonged to the National Association of Realtors. John was a past member of the West Bend Noon Kiwanis Club, Holy Angels School Trust Advisory Board & Parish Council, West Bend Police & Fire Commission, West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce, and American Red Cross Volunteer.
Those John leaves behind to cherish his memory include wife of 58 years, Susan; two children David (Ruth) Smithers of Wind Point and Mary Ellen (Brian) Ogle of West Bend; seven grandchildren Jacob (Jordann) Smithers, Trisha Smithers, Anthony “AJ” Smithers, Jennifer (Joe) Sandrin, Kelsey (Ryan Newburry) Ogle, Stephanie Binder and Andrew Binder; and great-granddaughter, Lorelei Sandrin. Further survived by brother, William “Bill” (Elaine) Smithers; sister-in-law Joan Smithers; son-in-law, David Binder; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by daughter, Barbara Jean Binder; brother, Harold “Ben” Smithers; and twin sister, Mary Smithers.
Mass of Christian Burial for John will be held at 5pm on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at Holy Angels Catholic Church (138 N 8th Street, West Bend, WI 53095) with Father Pat Heppe officiating. Private family burial at Washington County Memorial Park.
John’s family will greet relatives and friends at Church on Thursday from 2pm until the time of service. Memorial donations to Holy Angels Catholic Church or Cedar Community Foundation would be appreciated.
John’s family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Cedar Community Hospice for the loving care they provided while he was battling with cancer.