Mike “Smitty” Smith shuffled off this mortal coil and opened his eyes in heaven, December 11, 2023. Born in Kodiak, Alaska, Mike was the blessed adopted son of the late Bud and Essie Smith, and little brother to Randy (Big) Smith. Mike spent the bulk of his childhood in Altus, Oklahoma and graduated from Altus High School where he wrestled and participated in choir and theater. He received a bachelor's degree in Speech and Communications from Oklahoma State University, where he was also a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He proceeded from there to Oklahoma University where he received his Juris Doctorate but remained a true Cowboy at heart. 

Mike’s career was varied, covering many aspects of legal and insurance work from Director of Compliance to regional management and marketing. He considered the highlight of his career to be his work for Weston Insurance. During the tenure of Mike’s first job as an Assistant District Attorney for Oklahoma County, he met Joni, his wife of 31 years.  They first met at Putnam City Baptist Church where he was her Sunday school teacher in the singles department.  She was also a court reporter at the time, so Mike consistently found his way into her courtroom any time he could.  They had many mutual friends, all of whom agreed this seemed to be a match made in heaven and so it was. 

During high school, college and post-college years, Mike was active in whatever church he attended.  He ultimately became an ordained minister and volunteered as youth pastor, deacon, elder, board member, teacher, greeter, small group leader and coffee server.  Mike loved being at church second only to being home with his family.  He came to Champion Forest only six short years ago and was thankful to call it his church home. 

Mike was the father of Madison, Macy, Michael and Molly.   He considered it his great fortune to shepherd the heart of Madison, who came with Joni as a package deal. He had the frightful privilege of delivering Macy Kathryn as the doctor was not called in time to attend the birth. Perhaps that’s why they were such great pals. He was so proud of Michael and didn’t miss a single football game, wrestling match, concert or show. We joyfully received our last child, Molly, whose birth was an unexpected, wonderful gift. He was the ultimate hands-on father and was ever-present in their lives. 

Madison married Nick Fitzgerald and he became our son-in-love! He and Mike shared many dad moments like putting up Christmas lights together, movie nights, and playing with three adorable granddaughters - Emma, Charlotte and Hazel.  Pops, Popsi and Popsigator were his grandpa names and he had them emblazoned on every drinking cup he owned.  

If Mike was not working, serving at church or spending time with family, you could find him walking around the lake with Joni or participating in community theater.  We had the privilege as a family to involve ourselves with Watertown Players for many years.  Mike’s favorite roles were Mayor Shinn in Music Man, followed by Good Ol’ Reliable Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls. He also loved his role as Naphtali/Baker in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  He relished the memory of this role later when we found out through DNA testing that he was 51% Jewish. He was happy and proud of that fact and we Smiths have incorporated some Jewish holidays into our annual celebrations. 

Mike will be remembered for being our rock and our hero, our light and our joy. He created happiness and hysterical laughter much of the time and his hearty laugh still echos in the memory of anybody in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He was funny, humble, content and happy. He was warm, tender, tenacious, sincere and faithful. He was our fixer, our negotiator and our fearless protector. He never met a stranger and was loved and adored by everyone.   

Mike is survived by his wife Joni, his children Molly, Michael and Macy Smith, Madison and Nick Fitzgerald, granddaughters Emma, Charlotte and Hazel, his brother Randy Smith and his wife Merry, and other dearly loved family members and friends. 

We are saddened and aggrieved at the loss of our beloved, but we do not grieve as those who have no hope.  Mike was sure, as are we, that because of his faith in the redeeming grace of Christ, he lives eternally in the presence of God. We will be joyously reunited one day. We would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to each of you for every thought, prayer, text, call, visit or gift you have sent.