April 22, 2020 – Hartford, WI –Terry Lynn Smith, of Hartford, WI, passed away on the morning of Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the too-young age of 65. His recent and sudden battle against heart disease was possibly the only battle he wasn’t prepared for in his extremely love-filled life. He passed peacefully with his beloved wife, Julie, and his children by his side.
Terry is survived by his wife, Julie; his daughter, Jessica of Slinger, WI; his son, Andy, of Tucson, AZ; his son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Jenny Smith, of Libertyville, IL; his sisters, Bobby and Becky; his brother, Randy; and four Grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Dorothy Smith, of Goshen, IN.
Terry was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a boss, a brewer, a runner, a carver, a traveler, and adventurer, and the list goes on. There was very little that he wouldn’t throw himself 100% into, through his marriage, his kids’ lives, and his grandkids’ learning. He believed that dedication to a career could complement a dedication to family, and spent his life demonstrating how one enhances the other.
Terry met Julie, his wife of 42 years, at Ball State University in the summer of 1974. They were married in July of 1977 and had three children; Jessica, Andy, and Tony. Terry and Julie together had a deep fondness for Great Britain, and they traveled extensively throughout England, Wales, and Ireland over the last two decades, exploring quiet roads, castle ruins, pubs, breweries, and beaches in between their regular visits to the same antiques festivals year after year and their best friends’ farm. They were at home in England and loved it so. This affinity also heavily influenced Terry’s hobbies of brewing beer and home projects; his home-grown hops and beer reflected his passion for the craft, and his skills with woodworking are evident in the old stone farmhouse and the Morris Minor that have been restored and improved over the years.
Terry retired in 2017 as Vice President of Global Applications at Johnson Controls, Inc., forty years after beginning his career there. He served in a variety of positions within the company in several US states, as well as in Mexico and Belgium.
Terry was the kind of husband, father, grandfather, son, sibling, friend, boss, colleague, and companion that we want to have by our side in any and all situations. It is inevitable that the voids he leaves in our hearts will fill with the adoration and gratitude we continue to gain daily for him as we find ourselves needing and using his wisdom and ways. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.
