Jean Rae Smith

Jean Rae Smith, 90, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, died peacefully in her home with her family by her side on Friday, August 25, 2017. She was born to the late William and Ethel (Lewis) Schultz, March 21, 1927 in Monticello, Wisconsin and grew up on a farm near Attica, Wisconsin. Jean graduated from Monticello High School in 1944 and the University of Wisconsin in 1948. She went on to work as a medical technologist at the Wisconsin General Hospital in Madison, an experience that she remembered fondly the rest of her life. On September 11, 1951 she married the late Dr. Donald A. Smith and together they moved to Fond du Lac in 1957 to start a medical practice and raise their family. Jean was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Charity Club, AAUW, and Fond du Lac County Medical Society Auxillary.



Jean was a very kind and caring individual, selflessly giving of her time and energy to numerous community organizations and activities. She was a dependable member of the Rosenow Grade School PTA, a girl scout leader, a den mother, a Sunday school teacher, and a chauffeur, providing rides home from practice to many of Fond du Lac’s student athletes during the ‘60’s and ‘70’s.



Jean was also an avid sports fan, following the Badgers, Packers, Brewers, Fondy Cardinals, and later the Rice Lake Warriors through thick and thin. After her retirement in 1991, she joined the Fond du Lac Aquatic Center where she was a dedicated participant in water aerobics classes. She traveled near and abroad, enjoying the company of her friends and family. Jean’s greatest joy, however, came from supporting and participating in the lives of her family and those she loved.



Jean is survived by her three children, Barbara Smith of Fond du Lac, Dr. William (Dr. Mary Ocwieja) Smith of Rice Lake, and Gregory (Maureen Rutlin) Smith of Malone; two grandchildren, Dr. Hannah (Devin) Raynor of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Dr. Benjamin Smith of Winooski, Vermont; her brother, Gordon (Carol) Schultz of New Glarus; and six nieces and nephews and their children. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister, Gladys Booth.



The visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 9:00 AM on Friday, September 1, 2017 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. Burial will be held in Norwegian Lutheran Cemetery in Albany, Wisconsin.



In lieu of flowers memorials are appreciated to the Fond du Lac Humane Society or Agnesian Hospice Hope.



The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Agnesian Hospice for the compassionate care given to our mother.