David L. Smith

David L. Smith age 82 of Sussex passed away on Monday, May 25, 2015 surrounded by his family. David is survived by his loving wife Joycelle of 57 years, his children Carrie (Craig) Roberts, David (Susan) Smith, Thomas (Steve) Smith and Jennifer (Glenn) Menzia along with his grandchildren Michael (Lauren) Roberts, Andrew (Samantha) Roberts, Lindsay Roberts, Daniel, Matthew, Emily Smith, Brooke, Hannah and Alex Menzia. He is further survived by his brother in law James Hammer along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Dave is preceded in death by his parents Marcel and Bernice Smith and his sisters Beverly Hammer and Carmen Martinsen all of Beaver Dam. Dave lived in Oconomowoc for over 40 years and was employed by the Oconomowoc School District in which he retired from in 1992. Dave originated Paper High School, the fore runner of charter schools, which addressed the needs of all students from borderline intelligenece to genius. The program was nationally recognized. He was a past president of the Oconomowoc Historical Society and co - authored a book about the Town of Oconomowoc. He enjoyed his family and the grandchildren's sporting events, time in the pool at Olympia with his friends and was an avid collector and writer. He was devoted to the Catholic faith and his favorite prayer, which he said daily, was the prayer of Saint Francis. David said in the past few weeks that he was truly a blessed man. He was a kind and gentle spirit who will be missed by all that knew him. A funeral service for David will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015 at 12:00 PM Noon with a visitation for family and friends starting at 10:00 AM all to take place at Pagenkopf Funeral Home with a burial to follow at LaBelle Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the ALS Guardian Angels (33761 Limerick Lane, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 or online at alsguardianangels.com) in memory of his godson Michael Hammer and in support of his son David.