Bruce W. Smith, age 62, of Arkdale, Wisconsin died Friday, October 23, 2009 at his home following a battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Father Kurt Farrell will officiate. Military honors will be presented by the Adams County Honor Guard.
Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, with a prayer service at 7:45 p.m. at Roseberry’s Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday.
Bruce was born in Ripon on April 16, 1947 to Floyd and Phyllis Smith. In 1965 he graduated from Ripon High School. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force. He served at Duty Stations in Illinois, Texas, Alaska, and Spain. He was a Vietnam Veteran, serving as a crew chief, refueling aircraft onboard a KC-135 Aircraft out of Thailand. He was a crew chief on a refueling Air Planes. After his four years in the service, Bruce went to Electronic School in Milwaukee and then was hired at Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company. He worked with Wisconsin Bell which later became Ameritech until the area was bought by CenturyTel. He worked for CenturyTel until his retirement in June of 2008. Bruce married his wife, Rita Farrell, on June 2, 1973. They moved from Ripon to Auroraville, WI and had three children. In 2000 they moved to their home in Big Flats. Bruce loved hunting and fishing. He belonged to the Berlin Conservation Club. He also enjoyed camping and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Rita; his daughter Apryl (Ben) Brantley, two sons Lance (Tami) Smith and Aaron Smith; three grandchildren: Jacob Smith, Madisyn Smith and Owen Brantley. He is also survived by two brothers: Ronnie (Mary) Smith and Mark Smith; four sisters: Connie (Gary) Ruge, Janet (Bill) Crook, Gayle (Terry) Cain and Nedra (Bill) Smith, and sister-in-law Karen Smith. Also he is survived by many other extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Phyllis and Floyd Smith, and his brother Scott Smith. 　
Rita & Family My sincere sympathy. Bruce was a good friend and he will be missed. Bert
We are terrably shocked at your loss of Bruce. Our prayers are with you Rita, and your family. Sorry we could not be there.
I am very sad to know that my friend Bruce has passed. Please Accept My Sympathy. Yours Truly, Sandra Dolata
Dear Rita and family: Our hearts go out to you upon the loss of Bruce, your husband and father. What a guy; funny and fun, caring and careful, steady and steadfast. We shall all miss him terribly; but were sure that he is in a better place, and now want to send you all our thoughts and prayers. Gods blessings be upon you all at this difficult time. Love, Patty Walsh & family
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you.
Dear Rita and Family.
My heart goes out to you at this saddest of times. As I talked to my kids about Bruce, we all remember the good times up at Auroraville and wonder about how time flies. sigh…. We talk often about the good old "phone company days" and all of us miss those days when life was simple and the kids could just play instead of stressing in the grown up world.May you find peace in knowing Bruce is now in a much better place away from worldly messes. Rita, please call me sometime at 920-229-5856… HUGS… Barb Resop
Rita my prayers and sympathy are with you and your family.
My deepest prayers go out to you and your family for a great loss of a Husband Dad Grandpa Uncle and friend to many I have very found memories of doing things with the Smith family and enjoying and lauging at Bruces crazy hunting stories he told us as a kid and the many times we were invited over to the Smiths house He will be deeply missed and Our love goes out to all of the family
Sincerely Robert Dillon