STEVEN EDWARD SMETANA

Steven Edward Smetana, 58, of Stoddard, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, at his home.

He was born in Burlington on Sept. 19, 1956, to Wenzel and Edna (McCarthy) Smetana.

Steve attended St. Mary’s Catholic High School, graduating in 1974 with his best friend for life David Benkendorf. Upon graduation, he moved to La Crosse where he met his wife Julie (Sveen) Smetana. They were united in marriage on Oct. 5, 1985, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Together they were blessed with three children: Jillian Lea, Tyler Wenzel and Nicholas Oliver.

Steve was proud to be a truck driver his entire life. He worked for Badger Corrugating, Gateway, Fleming and Nabisco foods. Steve’s greatest passions included hunting and fishing, especially with his two sons, Tyler and Nicholas. His love for the outdoors was instilled by his father and passed down to his sons and many others. He relished the opportunity to introduce others to the great outdoors that he so treasured. Some of his closest companions included his hunting dogs: Travis, Coco, Cooper and Georgia.

After high school, Steve played on several softball teams where he met many lifelong friends. He also had a passion for baseball and was a dedicated coach for Shelby Youth Baseball. He spent countless hours throwing batting practice to anyone who wanted to step into the batting cage. Steve always enjoyed his annual golf trips with his wife Julie where it wasn’t uncommon for them to golf 54 holes in a day.

Steve was an avid storyteller, able to strike up a conversation with anyone. He was extremely considerate of others, always willing to lend a hand and give his time. He will forever be remembered as a beloved son, dedicated brother, loving husband and devoted father.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years; his three children, Jillian, Tyler, and Nicholas; his mother and father; his four sisters and five brothers, Susan Vandenboom, James Smetana, Bill Smetana, Bob (Julie) Smetana, Scott (Andi) Smetana, Jenee (Joseph) Haupt, Joan (Ted) Dremel, Jane Lenkart and Joe Smetana; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, others relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law Melvin O. Sveen; mother-in-law Audrey M. Forde; brother-in-law Terry Vandenboom.

A visitation will be held at Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse on Friday, Oct. 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in La Crosse on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 11 a.m. with a visitation occurring one hour prior at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family or Shelby Youth Baseball are preferred.

Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse are in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.