William "Bill" L. Smith

Bill SmithLancaster – William “Bill” Loren Smith, age 62, died at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday evening Sept. 27, 2015. William was born on August 3, 1953 in Boscobel, WI the son of Loren and Donna (Bell) Smith. He married Elaine Eisele on Dec. 7, 1974 at the Lancaster United Methodist Church.

Following graduation from Lancaster High School, Bill earned a degree in mechanics from Southwest Tech. He then worked at the Ford garage in Fennimore and the Chevrolet garage in Lancaster. Bill then was employed with the Grant County Highway department for 32 years until retiring at the age of 51. After retiring, Bill enjoyed driving dump truck for J&N Stone starting in 2013. Bill was a member of the Badger Gas and Steam Engine Club of Baraboo, and the Pecatonica Valley Antique Club of Darlington. He enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, and tinkering in his garage.   His Packer, NASCAR, and NHRA parties were always fun as Bill’s sense of humor could light up any room. Bill cherished his family and lived everyday to the fullest. He left so many memories that family and friends will cherish for years to come.

Bill is survived by his wife Elaine of Lancaster, three children; Matthew Paulsen of Grays Lake, IL, Lisa (Brad) Griswold, of Evansville, IN, and Tracey Smith (Erik Straubhaar) of Ridgeway, WI, four grandchildren; Adam, Brody, Carson, and Payton Griswold, mother Donna Smith of Lancaster, siblings; Susan (Rick) VanNatta of Lancaster, WI, Terry Smith of Lancaster, Alison (Clifford) Olson of Dodgeville, and Carson (Annetta) Smith of Lancaster, mother-in-law Darlene Eisele-Ruzic of Stratford, along with several nieces, nephews, and brother and sister-in-laws.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Loren on Feb. 25, 2006 and father-in-law Anthony “Tony” Eisele.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. A memorial fund is being established at Wisconsin Bank and Trust in Lancaster at 305 S. Madison St.