John Harold Smits, 91, passed away at home on Friday, December 23, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born December 3, 1931 to Henry and Nellie (Bushmaker) Smits.  He was a 1950 graduate of Central Catholic High School. John started working at Nau's Department Store in the mailing department before serving in the US Army, where he was stationed in Anchorage, AK during the Korean War.

On October 15, 1955, John married Marlene Hougard at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church in Green Bay.  John worked in the family business before working at Super Valu Inc. until his retirement in 1992.

John was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family, and the tradition continued with his grandchildren.  John enjoyed riding horses to check the bluebird trails with his brother-in-law, Darrel. With John's love of the outdoors, he was a natural Boy Scout leader.  John was a longtime member of St. Jude Parish where he worked at the parish picnic.

John and Marlene camped with special friends for many years.  They also enjoyed traveling with many friends, and especially loved their trip to Alaska.  He enlivened many gatherings with his harmonica.  He was an avid Packer and Brewers fan. He enjoyed wood carving, bird watching, playing cards, especially the Wednesday morning cribbage games.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marlene; his children, Laurie (Jeff) Delvaux, Mike (Lisa) Smits and Ellen Thuerwatcher; grandchildren, Brenden Delzer, Nathan (Katie) Thuerwatcher, Dustin (Michelle) Delvaux, Jessica Smits, Devin (Tim) Heger, Elizabeth (Katie) Thuerwatcher, Sam Smits; great-grandchildren, Briar and Lincoln Delvaux, Brayden, Jaylah, Isaiah and Contrell Smits; sister, Ruth Rollin; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Matthew; brother, Robert (Betty) Smits; sister, Helen Smits; daughter-in-law, Teresa Smits.

Friends and family may gather at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1420 Division St., from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday, December 30.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, December 30 at the church with Rev. Tony de los Santos officiating.  Burial will be in Fort Howard Memorial Park.  To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com .

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Unity Hospice or St. Vincent de Paul.

The Smits family gives special recognition to their sister, Ellen, for the caregiving and support she provided to John and Marlene and the caregiving she continues to provide for Marlene.  They would like to thank the staff at Unity Hospice for their care of John these last months.