Obituary for Albert "Al" Smith

Born December 29th, 1929 to Robert and Alice (Harwood) Smith in Chicago IL. Growing up during the Depression, he learned the value of work at an early age and started working while a youngster picking asparagus for 10 cents a pound and setting up bowling pins for ten cents an hour. He worked as a mechanic while still in high school and bought his first car when he was fifteen.

Al married his high school sweetheart, Joan Gaughan on June 24th, 1950. He was a loving husband to her until her death in 2010, and a devoted father.

Always wanting to try new things, Al had a variety of jobs: railroad switch operator, insurance adjustor, night security guard before he found the career he truly loved as a crane operator. He took great pride in his work no matter what he did.

Al and Joan loved the quality and style of old homes. Wanting to preserve it they bought a “fixer-upper” much to the chagrin of their children. Without any prior experience Al rewired the house, put in all new plumbing, tore down walls, did all his own plaster work which turned out like it was done by a professional, put down hardwood floors, and beams in the ceiling. The house was restored to its former glory and strangers would sometimes knock on the door and ask to see the inside. He was blessed with the ability to do almost anything.

When he was thirty-seven, after making the decision not to raise their children in the city, the family moved to Wisconsin, to a farm on St. Mary’s Ridge and he began a new career as a dairy farmer which he enjoyed immensely and did successfully for many years. When he quit milking cows, he needed a new challenge, so he got his pilot’s license and bought a small plane. Family and friends enjoyed leisurely flights over the area.

Eventually, Joan wanted the city life again and they moved to La Crosse where Al resumed being a crane operator. The Cass St. bridge was his last big project. Never one to sit still, he then spent several years as a volunteer at Mayo Health La Crosse.

After Joan died Al returned to the country buying a home and 18 acres near Bangor. He spent the next 12 years planting, mowing, raking, and baling again. He was vigorous and healthy able to hop off and on his tractor until the last year when lupus began to take its toll on his body.

Al drove to La Crosse every day for Mass for years no matter what the weather until the last 4-5 months of his life. He unlocked the church each morning and spent two hours in quiet prayer before anyone else arrived. If he knew your name, he prayed for you each and every day. He became a Catholic while still in high school after a friend invited him to Mass and never lost his love of the Lord or his faith. After he retired, he made rosaries to give away, and would give hand out crosses to anyone who would take one. He wanted to share his love of Christ with the world.

Al quietly supported many, many charities, never wanting any recognition. He lived very simply so he could have more to give. His only needs were his faith and his family.

Al was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Joan, son, Daniel, parents Robert and Alice, two brothers, Robert and James Smith, a sister Helen Valente, nephews Robert and James Smith, and a niece Susan Valente.

He is survived by his children: Judy (Tom) Degenhardt, Jan(Douglas) Path, Tim (Julie) Smith, Mary Margaret Smith, and Patrick Smith, twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

A family Mass of Christian burial was held at St James the Less on June 18th.

Words really cannot express the goodness of this humble, generous man. Every child should be blessed to have such a wonderful mentor to love and guide them-the world would be a better place. You will be forever in our hearts. We love you, Dad!