Jeanette L. Smith

PORTAGE – Jeanette L. Smith, age 88, passed away at UW Hospital in Madison on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, in the presence of family.

Jeanette was born on December 13, 1929, in Lowville Township, on the home farm; the daughter of Walter Morris and Olive Jeanette (Otterness) Huber. She married Russell Smith on January 28, 1951. Jeanette was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage, the Women’s Guild, and Gideon’s Auxiliary. She was an AFS Sponsor and assisted her husband in his veterinary practice. Jeanette loved her family and took an active interest in their lives. She enjoyed sewing, and was always mending something for someone.  Jeanette’s nickname was “Dynamite”, a name given to her by her uncle at a very young age.  She was the first woman in Portage to solo pilot a plane from the Portage Airport, and was always up for an adventure!

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Russell C. Smith of Portage;  her children, Walter (Theresa) Smith, Jeynell (Alan) Boeck, Olivia (Steve) Hulke and Peter (Lisa) Smith;  twelve grandchildren;  two great-grandchildren;  her sister-in-law, Shirley (Dewey) Kraemer;  nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, Walter O. Huber, and her sisters, Ardys (Eldon) Saager, Darlene Huber, and Alice (Gilbert) Knuteson.  

Memorial services will be held at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage, Wisconsin, on Sunday, December 9, 2018, at 4:00 p.m., with Pastor Greg Hovland officiating. Inurnment will be private. Visitation will be at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday.

Memorials may be made to Gideon’s International, for the purchase of bibles.

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