George Norbert Smits, 90, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025. George was born to the late Martin and Rose (Boehm) Smits on January 12, 1935 on the family farm in the Township of Gillett. He enjoyed growing up with his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed the relationships he formed with all of his nieces and nephews throughout his life.

George met his lifetime partner, Doris Rose Gardebrecht at a dance at Hollaways in the Township of How. They danced the rest of their lives for 69 years.

After 42 years of working at Fort Howard Paper Mill, he enjoyed working part-time jobs with Pieschek Security, Phil Hilgenberg Realty and Detry Construction.

When he was not working George had many hobbies. He enjoyed summers with family and friends, sharing his homegrown fruits and vegetables from his garden. He also loved hunting, dancing to Polka music and driving his two favorite tractors. George was proud to own a Ford Ferguson from his father-in-law, Leonard Gardebrecht and a Farmall, like the one he had growing up on the family farm. He also had a wonderful sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife; his three daughters, Lenore (Gary) Kittell, Renee (Mike VanBoxel) Douglas, Lisa (Ben) Stoller; two sisters-in-law, Naomi (LeRoy) Buchholz, Grace (Mike) Kelly; and Doris's nieces and nephews that were important in his life as well.

George was preceded in death by his son, Stephen; his parents; his siblings, Stella (Charlie) Heaney, Norbert (Harriet) Smits, Isabel (Ellis) McMahon, Sylvia (Quentin) Christensen, Martin (Alice) Smits, AnnaMae (Bob) Blazer; his parents-in-law, Leonard (Maytie) Gardebrecht; and his siblings-in-law, Irene (John) Ferroly, Roger (Bess) Gardebrecht, Dennis Gardebrecht.

Friends and family will gather at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., (The entrance is directly across from BP gas station on Glendale Ave.) for a Memorial Mass at 10am on Tuesday, September 30. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

A special thank you is extended to Jim Olson, for his abundant help in taking George turkey and deer hunting; it meant the absolute world to him! A thank you is also extended to all the friends, Happy Hoppers dancers and caring neighbors that have assisted us as a family during this difficult time. We would also like to thank Unity Hospice and Woodside Lutheran Home, especially Patrina, Gina and Cole for all of their exceptional care.