Earl I. Smet, 87, of Klondike, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Pensaukee on Dec. 21, 1934, to the late Bernard “Henry” and Grace (Verbunker) Smet. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Courchaine, on Oct. 1, 1955, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Oconto Falls. They were a few months short of celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary.
He loved hunting in Wyoming, raccoon, bear and deer hunting with his family, lawn mower repair, canning, gardening, his tomatoes and volunteering at the Kingdom Come Food Pantry. Everybody who knew him came as a stranger and left as a friend. One of Earl’s favorite pastimes was scratch-off tickets.
Earl is survived by his loving wife; Betty, nine children; Michael Smet, Danny (Paula) Smet, Peter (Debbie) Smet, Suzan (David) Klatkiewicz, Sharon Liegeois, Bill (Bobbie) Smet, Chuck (Debbie) Smet, Kathy “Toots” Smet, Melody (Jon) Heinke, 37 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild. Further survivors include: one sister, Marie Hansen; and sister-in-law, Lillian Konitzer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 21 siblings; three grandchildren, Lisa Klatkiewicz, Pamela Lassanske, Wayne Smet; son-in law, Ralph Liegeois; and daughter-in-law, Bonnie Smet.
Family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 228 E. Main St., Coleman. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m., with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. Father Felix Abano will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Earl to the Kingdom Come Food Pantry, 520 Locust Ave., Oconto Falls, WI 54154.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rhodescharapata.com
Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home-Coleman is assisting the family.
Earl I. Smet
