William "Bill" J. Smith

William J. “Bill” Smith, 51, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Fond du Lac on Tuesday, November 14, 2017. This beautiful brown-eyed boy was the youngest child born to Robert and Mary (Fairbank) Smith on May 14, 1966 in Fond du Lac.



Bill had an easy going charismatic and passionate personality that enabled him to excel in sales. He started his career at Body Masters in Fond du Lac selling club memberships. Success in that career transported him to Phoenix, AZ where his success not only continued but excelled in that area. His love of health, fitness and working out was the core of his life. As his success grew in that field, he expanded in another area, real estate, selling time shares and buying and renting several properties in the Phoenix area.



Bill strove to be the best he could be, always reaching to better himself and his situation. When temptations in life became a challenge, Bill took himself to an AA meeting where he found solace and inspiration. His passion drove him to embrace the positive teachings of AA fully and unconditionally.



He was determined to improve his lot in life and inspired others to do the same. He was a shining example to all those around him. He continued that endeavor upon his return to Fond du Lac in 2012 when he moved back to be with family and friends. He became a student of positive self-improvement following the teaching of the Science of the Mind philosophies.



He made friends easily and loved animals, especially his cat Axel. In addition, he had a love of music, food and festivals. In his last years he fought a courageous battle with mental illness.

Bill was a good son, a great brother, uncle and friend. His charismatic, easy-going personality, spiced with a little mischief will be sadly missed by all who knew him…may he rest in peace.

Survivors include his step-mother, Ruth Olson; 5 siblings, Jeanne (John) McDowell, Maggie (Jim) Behrens, Charles (Mary), Mike, Peter; a sister-in-law, Janelle Anderson (her partner, John Smith, preceded her in death in 2005); 2 nieces, Morgan and Cholena; a nephew, Dylan; a grand-niece, Cali; and the many friends he made throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Smith and Mary Smith; 3 brothers, Thomas, David and John; and a step-brother, Bob Olson.



Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Ave. in Fond du Lac. The memorial service will follow at 2:30 PM at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place.



In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 21 E. 2nd St., STE #104 in Fond du Lac.