Dr. Russell “Doc” C. Smith

PORTAGE – Dr. Russell “Doc” C. Smith, age 90, passed away at Columbia Health Care Center in Wyocena on Sunday, February 24, 2019, in the presence of his family.

Doc was born on April 22, 1928, in Portage, the son of Edward and Hilda (Konkel) Smith. He graduated from Portage High School in 1946 and then entered the US Navy. He proudly served his country during World War II as a Quartermaster 3rd Class. After discharge in 1948, Doc married Jeanette Huber on January 28, 1951 at Bonnet Prairie Lutheran Church. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for three years. Doc received his DVM from the University of Minnesota in 1955, fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. He was a beloved and respected provider of both large and small animals in his over 40 years of veterinary practice. Doc loved his family and was proud of every one of them. He was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church where he held many positions. He was also a member of the Gideon’s and Portage Rotary.

He is survived by his children, Walter (Theresa) Smith, Jeynell (Alan) Boeck, Olivia (Steve) Hulke and Peter (Lisa) Smith; sister, Shirley (Duane) Kraemer of College Station, TX; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeanette on December 5, 2018; brothers, George, Wallace, Orlyn and Phillip and sister, Pearl.  

Memorial services will be held at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage, Wisconsin, on Sunday, March 10, 2019, at 4:00 p.m., with Pastor Greg Hovland officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard. Inurnment will be private at South Lowville Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Gideon’s for Bibles.  

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.