Stanton W. Smith

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Thursday, October 3, 2013, age 82. Beloved husband of the late Rose (nee Lovett). Loving father of Laura Lee (Mark) Langer, Roger A. (Mary Beth) Smith, and Joel H. (Linda) Smith. Very proud grandfather of 9 and great-grandfather of 5. Also loved by many other relatives and friends.

Stanton Smith passed away peacefully the evening of October 3rd, with his family by his side.

Born in Nebraska, to parents Rolland and Freda (nee Wasser) with siblings Allan and Norma, settled in Zionsville, Indiana, where in grade school Stan met the future love of his life, Rose Lovett.

Upon graduating from Zionsville High School in 1949, he enrolled at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. During his sophomore year, Stan and Rose married and Stan enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Stationed in New York, they began their lives together. After four years of travels and moves all along the east coast they returned to Indiana where Stan completed his studies at Ball State University.

The family grew with Laura Lee born in Lebanon, Indiana. They moved to Cincinnati for Stan's first job after college.

In 1960, Milwaukee became home with another job transfer. In 1962 Stan and Rose settled in New Berlin, WI with sons Roger and Joel – where they called home the rest of their lives.

Stan spent most of his life as a self-employed manufacturers' representative of commercial HVAC equipment. He thoroughly enjoyed his work and never retired. Stan really valued the many friendships developed over his 50-year career.

Stan was always active beyond his work. He helped establish the New Berlin Optimist Club, and was a member of the New Berlin Soap Box Derby commission for over 40 years. Stan was involved with organizations raising funds for Leukemia, Children's Hospital, Variety Club, and MDA, among others. He volunteered as treasurer for several state assembly members and candidates serving New Berlin and Waukesha. A proud Navy veteran, Stan was a life member of the American Legion Lodge in Zionsville, Indiana. He was elected to the New Berlin Common Council as Alderman for two terms representing the 4th district. Stan was a member of Calvary Methodist Church in West Allis.

A racing fan his entire life, he first attended the Indy 500 in the mid 1930s with his father, thus starting 45 years of May reunions – which eventually grew to over 100 family and friends meeting each year at the track. In later years Stan enjoyed traveling to races all across the country, meeting new friends at every track and every state he visited.

Stan looked forward to walking each morning with a group of friends, then sharing coffee, stories, jokes and news.

Most of all he shined with his family and those who had the opportunity to spend time with him. His spontaneity and humor will be missed.

"Leave the wood pile higher than you found it each day", Stan would say.

Well done Stan Smith, well done.

Visitation at the Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, Saturday, October 12, 11:00 AM – 12:45 PM. Funeral Service 1:00 PM. Burial at Southern Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove on Monday, October 14, at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Stanton's name may be sent to Calvary United Methodist Church, 3177 South 107th Street, West Allis, WI 53227.