John “Jack” R. Smies 83, of Oostburg, died on Friday afternoon, August 2, 2019 at the Cedar
Grove Gardens where he had resided since June.
Jack was born on November 10, 1935 in Sheboygan, the son of Daniel G. and Marjorie
(Beernink) Smies. He graduated from Cedar Grove High School in 1953 and then graduated
from Central College in Pella, Iowa. On August 2, 1957, he married Margaret J. Risseeuw in the
Town of Holland. Jack was a salesman for Freeman Chemical in Saukville for many years
before his retirement.
He was a member of the Great Lakes Coalition and enjoyed golf, tennis, piano playing, music,
sudoku, bridge, cribbage, and anything related to science.
Jack is survived by his wife, Margaret of Oostburg; two sons, Richard Smies of Menomonee
Falls and Randall (Karissa) Smies of Charleston, SC and a daughter, Mary Krohn. He is also
survived by grandchildren, great grandchildren; a brother, Frederic “Ric” (Ann) Smies of
Homewood, IL; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Risseeuw of Oostburg and Dorothy (Robert) Bevans
of Oostburg; and one brother-in-law, Allan Risseeuw of Cedar Grove.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, one sister-in-law, Judy Risseeuw; and one
brother-in-law, LaMont Risseeuw.
Jack passionately encouraged further research of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was afflicted
by personally. A memorial fund is being established for the Parkinson’s Foundation and the
Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
A private family gathering and dinner was held to honor Jack’s life.
For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com
The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving the Smies family.
