Shirley Ann De Smidt, 89, went to be with her Lord on December 6, 2021, at Pine
Haven Christian Communities-Oostburg Campus.
Shirl was born on May 30, 1932 to Francis and Evelyn (Meerdink) Van Dreese in
Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She was a graduate of Oostburg High School.
On October 22, 1955, Shirl married her best friend, Ralph “Smitty” De Smidt, in
Oostburg. Shirl and Ralph were restaurateurs. They owned and operated Smitty’s
Sweet Shop and De Smidt's Good ‘n Plenty Restaurant located in Cedar Grove for
over 30 years. As a couple, they also hosted several European tours and loved to
travel. Shirl was an active member of First Reformed Church in Oostburg, a
community she loved and served.
In her eventful life she had a wide range of interests, including playing piano,
playing tennis, trying new restaurants with friends, and watching sporting events.
She supported her children and their athletic and musical projects. But her
greatest joy were here three granddaughters, Lauren, Rose, and Sophia. Her kind,
loving, and thoughtful heart will be remembered by those who loved her.
Shirl is survived by her daughter; Gretchen (Paul) Leitner of Shippensburg, PA;
Peter (Janice) De Smidt of Fond Du Lac; grandchildren, Lauren and Sophia De
Smidt, and Rose Leitner. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other
relatives, and friends.
Shirl is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Ralph De Smidt, her dear
sister Fran (Van Dreese) Ebbers, her brother-in-law Phillip Ebbers, her sister-in-
law Doris (Veldhorst) De Smidt, her parents, Evelyn and Francis, and her parents-
in-law, Sadie and Eugene De Smidt.
A service for to celebrate Shirl’s life will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021, at
the First Reformed Church of Oostburg at 11am with Rev. Bob Rook officiating.
Visitation will take place at church from 10am until the time of service at 11:00
am. Shirl will be laid to rest by her husband at Cedar Grove Cemetery. A
livestream of the service will take place at 11:00 am by visiting her obituary page
at www.wenigfh.com .
Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the First Reformed Church.
The Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-6142) is serving the De Smidt
family. For additional information and online condolences please visit
www.wenigfh.com .
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