David Charles Smith, surrounded by his family, passed away peacefully at home on April 13,
2025, following a brief battle with colon cancer. He was 81.
Born on July 31, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, David was the son of the late Fredric and Helen
(Demling) Smith. He grew up in Hampshire, IL, and graduated from Hampshire High School in
1961. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stout in
1965, the same year he married the love of his life, Cheryl (Block) Smith.
David began his teaching career in Indianapolis, IN, at North Central High School (1965–1968),
and later at Beloit Memorial High School (1968–1970). In 1971, he completed his Master’s
degree at UW-Stout, and he and Cheri settled in Sheboygan, WI, where they would spend the
rest of their lives together. David taught graphic arts and photography at North High School
before earning a second master’s degree in counseling from UW–Milwaukee in 1996. He served
as a guidance counselor at North High until his retirement in 2003.
An avid cyclist, David’s love for biking led to decades of passionate advocacy. Deeply
committed to enhancing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, he served on the Sheboygan
Metropolitan Planning Commission and the NoMo Advisory Committee. In 2010, he helped
launch Rebike, which has since distributed more than 2,000 refurbished bicycles to those in
need. Beyond biking, David generously gave his time to numerous causes. He volunteered with
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church on twelve service trips with the Appalachian Service Project
and was honored in 2016 with the Sheboygan County Citizen Leadership Award. He also gave
back through volunteer work at Kohler-Andrae State Park, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and
the Cedar Grove Ornithological Research Station.
David is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Chad) Warner and Anne-Louise (Jason) Plesh;
his beloved grandchildren, Nathan, Maggie, Sam, and Lucas; his nephew Fred (Ella) Smith;
extended family; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 57
years, Cheri, his brother Fredric Smith, and his sister Virginia Patten.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Meriter Hospital, the UW
Carbone Cancer Center, and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their
compassionate care. They are also deeply grateful to the many friends who supported David
throughout his life and during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in David’s name to Sharon S. Richardson
Community Hospice or the Sheboygan County Food Bank. A celebration of David’s life will be
held in Sheboygan in the coming months.
Please visit our website to share your stories and leave your condolences for the family
www.olsonfuneralhome.info.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with David’s arrangements.
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