Martin J. Smits

Martin J. Smits, 93, Gillett, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. He was born in Cooks, Michigan, on May 5, 1926, a son of the late Martin H. and Rose (Boehm) Smits. Martin was a graduate of Suring High School and went on to serve honorably in the U.S. Army. He married Alice Mae (Jeske) on Nov. 24, 1956, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Suring and together they raised three children. Martin farmed for much of his life in Gillett. He enjoyed dancing, fishing, gardening, farming and had a love for animals and flowers, especially lilies and Christmas cactus. Martin previously served on the board of directors for Midland Co-op. Martin is survived by his children, Curtis (Cindi) Smits, Daryl (Patsy) Smits and Carol (Mike) Petrina. He also leaves his grandchildren, Stacy Smits, Troy Smits, Kevin (Kelli) Smits, Andy (Danielle) Smits, Trent Smits, Alissa Petrina, Faith Petrina and Ashley Petrina; his great-grandchildren: Joseph, Jarret, Ellie, Bryant, Marty, Bennett, Blake and Brooklyn. Martin is further survived by his siblings, Anna Mae (the late Robert) Blazer and George (Doris) Smits, numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Alice; and his siblings, Stella (Charlie) Heaney, Norbert (Harriet) Smits, Isabella (Ellis) McMahon and Sylvia (Quentin) Christensen. Martin’s children wish to thank the loving and caring staff at Serenity Gardens and Unity Hospice for the special attention and care they provided to their dad. Friends and relatives called on the family on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, from 9-10:45 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church, 127 Garden Ave., Gillett. A funeral service followed at 11 a.m. with Sister Marla Clercx officiating. Full military honors were given outside the church. Interment was in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. For more information, please visit LegacyFuneralChapels.com or call 920-855-2144.