He met his future wife Alyce Green on August 6, 1948. Alyce often said she took one look at him and that was it! As they rode the Ferris Wheel at Play Land Park on the evening of August 6th, dad smiled at mom and said this was a great way to celebrate his birthday. Mom thought he was giving her quite a 'line' since it was actually her birthday. They soon discovered that mom was an older woman by 3 hours - born late in the night of August 6th, while dad was born early in the morning hours of August 7th. William and Alyce were married on January 14, 1949. The couple lived in Fremont with their three children until 1969, moving to an acreage in Fontanelle in August of 1969. In 1980 they returned to Fremont.
William was preceded in death by his wife Alyce, brother Jack Smith, sister Beverly Bramson and Son-in-law Randy Reyzlik.
Survivors include his son William J (and wife Eileen) Smith of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter Sue 'Stoeber' Reyzlik of Fremont, son Stacy (wife Laurie) Smith of Houston, TX, sister-in-law Joey (husband Mel) Schwanke of Fremont, sister-in-law Pat Smith of Arlington.
Six grandchildren: Dan (wife Jennifer) Smith of Tucson, AZ.; Scott (wife Stephanie) Smith of Omaha; Sara 'Stoeber' (husband Colby) Smith of Ceresco; Evan Stoeber (and special friend Pam Barnes) of Dallas, TX. Darci 'Smith' (husband Evan) Granberg of Madison, WI.; and Ramie Reyzlik of Fremont.
2 great grandsons: Samson & Mackson Smith of Ceresco and 1 great granddaughter RaiLee Reyzlik (soon to be born) and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be 10am Saturday March 31 at The Presbyterian Church in Fremont. The Rev. Jon Ashley will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to The Presbyterian Church or to the Keep Fremont Beautiful Tree Planting Memorial Program. Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel will be on Friday from 3pm to 8pm with the family receiving friends from 6pm to 7pm. A Masonic Service, conducted by the Fremont Masonic Lodge No. 15 A.F & A.M., will be at 7pm. Visitation will continue at church one hour before the service.
Ludvigsen Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(4)
Joan Maly Webber
Mesa, AZ Tuesday, April 3, 2012 Was saddened to hear about your dad. I used to shoot baskets with him in the driveway & think I beat him sometimes! Your parents showed me how to grab nightcrawlers at the green house & then we'd go down to the river to set lines for catfish. I didn't mind worms as fishing was something I'd done for years but the lst time I saw a nightcrawler I thought it looked more like a snake. I sure had lots of fun with your folks as they weren't all that much older than me & later I even drank some beers with them while waiting to check our lines. I'm really happy I stopped to see them when I was back in Fremont just before your mom passed. They're only a memory away & there are so many happy ones.Jim & Sharon Brandt
Hooper, NE Friday, March 30, 2012 Jim & Bill served on the fire department in Nickerson for many years. Memories of those Fall Festivals will not be soon forgotten. Please know that you are being thought of during this time.Cathy Hollins-Schubert
, Thursday, March 29, 2012 Dear Sue, Your Mom and Dad always have held a special place in my heart. I remember the "good old days" of their get-togethers with fondness. Your Mom was so fun and caring; your Dad reminded me of my Dad. They really had great personalities and humor...guess they had to in order to share their love with Alyce/Alice and us too! My heart goes out to you in many ways, but mainly in having to face each day without them. Perhaps they are all doing the meet and greet in the great beyond. I'd like to believe that. Take care and may God bless, cathyLee and Sue Maly
Fremont, NE Saturday, March 31, 2012 Lee says he can remember working on one of his cars in your parents' garage. Plus playing basketball and going fishing with your dad. I told Joan, Lee's sis, that I thought she helped your mom cover the kitchen table in those broken tile but Joan can't remember. Very nice article about your dad in the paper, Sue. A wonderful tribute.