George Norbert Smits, 90, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.
George was born to the late Martin and Rose (Boehm) Smits on Jan. 12, 1935, on the family farm in the Town of Gillett. He enjoyed growing up with his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed the relationships he formed with all of his nieces and nephews throughout his life.
George met his lifetime partner, Doris Rose Gardebrecht, at a dance at Hollaways in the Town of How. They danced the rest of their lives for 69 years.
After 42 years of working at Fort Howard Paper Mill, he enjoyed working part-time jobs with Pieschek Security, Phil Hilgenberg Realty and Detry Construction.
When he was not working, George had many hobbies. He enjoyed summers with family and friends, sharing his homegrown fruits and vegetables from his garden. He also loved hunting, dancing to polka music and driving his two favorite tractors. George was proud to own a Ford Ferguson from his father-in-law, Leonard Gardebrecht, and a Farmall, like the one he had growing up on the family farm. He also had a wonderful sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife; his three daughters, Lenore (Gary) Kittell, Renee (Mike VanBoxel) Douglas and Lisa (Ben) Stoller; two sisters-in-law, Naomi (LeRoy) Buchholz, Grace (Mike) Kelly; and Doris’ nieces and nephews that were important in his life, as well.
George was preceded in death by his son, Stephen; his parents; his siblings, Stella (Charlie) Heaney, Norbert (Harriet) Smits, Isabel (Ellis) McMahon, Sylvia (Quentin) Christensen, Martin (Alice) Smits and AnnaMae (Bob) Blazer; his parents-in-law, Leonard (Maytie) Gardebrecht; and his siblings-in-law, Irene (John) Ferroly, Roger (Bess) Gardebrecht and Dennis Gardebrecht.
There will be no formal funeral service in accordance with George’s wishes. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.
To send online condolences, please go to www.blaneyfuneralhome.com
A special thank you is extended to Jim Olson, for his abundant help in taking George turkey and deer hunting; it meant the absolute world to him. A thank you is also extended to all the friends, Happy Hoppers dancers and caring neighbors who have assisted us as a family during this difficult time. We would also like to thank Unity Hospice and Woodside Lutheran Home, especially Patrina, Gina and Cole, for all of their exceptional care.
