Gerald "Jerry" Van Aken Smith

Gerald Van Aken Smith passed away on Wednesday, May 28, after a valiant three-year battle with cancer.

Jerry was born Dec. 28, 1955, to Gerald E. Smith and Lela Mae Smith (nee Buckley) in Mauston, Wis, where he graduated from Mauston High School in 1973. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in and a master’s degree in Business Finance from the Keller Business College.

On Oct. 23, 1980, Jerry married Eleanor (Ellie) Braun of Racine, Wis. in Cuba City, Wis. The couple initially made their home in Sun Prairie, Wis, and in 1991 moved to Ellie’s hometown, where they purchased and restored an 1857 home where he died peacefully surrounded by family.

The couple raised three children and have welcomed six grandchildren. Son Cameron and his wife Jen live in Prairie du Sac, Wis. with their children Annelie, Emmeline and Atticus. Daughter Willa and her husband Dr. William Ritt live in Sheboygan with their children Curtis, Frederick and Elliot. Son Emery and his partner Courtney Leisen live in Racine.

Other cherished members of his family included several Weimaraners through the years. Jerry counted Penny, Poppy, Parker, Frankie and Rastus among his favorites.

During Jerry’s career, he served as a plant manager for several area businesses and retired in August 2023 after nine years as the Superintendent of Public Works for the Village of Somers.

However, he was never happier than when he was out in the woods, hunting with his buddies near Plain, Wis. He will be sorely missed by friends and family Russ Harbach, Tony Braun and Nick Conigliaro.

Jerry is also survived by his older siblings, including sister Karen Langer of Hillsboro, Wis., brother Robert Smith of Fort Collins, Colo., and brother David Smith of Verona, Wis.

He was predeceased by his parents, sister Carol Dowling and brother-in-law Lyle Langer.

Those wishing to commemorate Jerry’s life and visit with family and friends are invited to an informal gathering on Thursday, June 12, from 4 to 7pm at Preservation Hall, 740 Lake Ave., Racine.

Memorials in Jerry’s name to Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (www.fwsp.org) were suggested by the family.

Maresh Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St. in Racine is assisting the family.