Bruce W. Smith

age 62, of Arkdale, Wisconsin died Friday, October 23, 2009 at his home following a battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Father Kurt Farrell will officiate. Military honors will be presented by the Adams County Honor Guard.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday at Roseberry's Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday.

Bruce was born in Ripon on April 16, 1947 to Floyd and Phyllis Smith. In 1965 he graduated from Ripon High School. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force. He served at Duty Stations in Illinois, Texas, Alaska, and Spain. He was a Vietnam Veteran, serving as a crew chief, refueling aircraft onboard a KC-135 Aircraft out of Thailand. He was a crew chief on a refueling Air Planes. After his four years in the service, Bruce went to Electronic School in Milwaukee and then was hired at Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company. He worked with Wisconsin Bell which later became Ameritech until the area was bought by CenturyTel. He worked for CenturyTel until his retirement in June of 2008. Bruce married his wife, Rita Farrell, on June 2, 1973. They moved from Ripon to Auroraville, WI and had three children. In 2000 they moved to their home in Big Flats. Bruce loved hunting and fishing. He belonged to the Berlin Conservation Club. He also enjoyed camping and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Rita; his daughter Apryl (Ben) Brantley, two sons Lance (Tami) Smith and Aaron Smith; three grandchildren: Jacob Smith, Madisyn Smith and Owen Brantley. He is also survived by two brothers: Ronnie (Mary) Smith and Mark Smith; four sisters: Connie (Gary) Ruge, Janet (Bill) Crook, Gayle (Terry) Cain and Nedra (Bill) Smith, and sister-in-law Karen Smith. Also he is survived by many other extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Phyllis and Floyd Smith, and his brother Scott Smith.

Roseberry's Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.

Roseberry's Funeral Home
512 Main St. (PO Box 620)
Friendship, WI 53934