Robert Eugene Smith, of Mequon, Wisconsin, passed away on April 3, 2026, at the age of 80.
Born on June 14, 1945, in Milwaukee to Byron and Winnifred (nee Zepp) Smith, Robert eventually made his home in Mequon, where he raised his family.
A proud veteran, Robert served his country with honor in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His dedication to service remained a part of his life, reflected in his character and his support for his fellow service members.
Robert was defined by his tenacity and a tireless work ethic. He spent the majority of his professional career at Venturedyne, where his drive and dedication eventually led him to the role of Chief Financial Officer, a position from which he retired. He was a man who believed in the value of hard work and was driven to give his best to everything he pursued.
An active soul, Robert was an avid pickleball and tennis player. Whether he was on the court for a competitive match or a friendly game, he found great joy in the sport and the camaraderie of his fellow players.
Robert also had a deep love for gardening, a passion that traced back to his years helping on his family farm in Beaver Dam. Those formative experiences instilled in him an appreciation for hard work, patience, and the rewards of tending the land. Throughout his life, he found peace and satisfaction in cultivating his own garden, taking pride in nurturing plants and sharing their bounty with family and friends. His raspberry pie was a crowd pleaser!
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his children, David Smith (Kourtney) and Elizabeth (Smith) Schneider, and his granddaughter, Clarissa Smith. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Winnifred, and his sister, Betty (Smith) Ebling.
A service to celebrate Robert’s life will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 12:30 PM at Polnasek-Daniels Funeral Home in Union Grove. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Sunday, April 12th, from 10 AM until the time of the service at 12:30 PM. Inurnment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery in the future.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Polnasek-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory
908 – 11th Ave.
Union Grove, WI 53182
262-878-2011
www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com
