Janetta Mae “Babe” Smith, 91, of Waupaca, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca, under the care of Hospice Services.
She was born in Apple River, Ill. on Oct. 9, 1926 to Paul and Louise (Menzemer) Smith.  Janetta married Virgil William Smith in Apple River, Ill. on Sept. 4, 1945.  They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary this past September.
Janetta graduated from the Normal Teacher’s College at UW-Platteville.  She taught at a one-room school in rural Stockton, Ill. and later taught 6th grade in Stockton.  She was the secretary at Micro Switch for 30 years in Warren, Ill., retiring from the Honeywell Division.
Janetta was the family comedian and always kept the family laughing.  Janetta and Virgil enjoyed playing cards, especially “Euchre”.  They spent many retirement years fishing, always trying to out-due each other with the largest fish caught.  Many holidays were spent “Up North” at the cabin; fishing, playing cards and enjoying their kids and grandkids.  She was an avid Packers and Brewers fan, always wearing the appropriate color on Game Day!!
Survivors include her husband, Virgil, of 71 years, her daughters Karen (Rollie) Hendrikson, Wittenberg, Wis., Colette (Joe) Esch, Waupaca, and son, Kevin (Lisa), Dubuque, Iowa; grandchildren: Shannon, Shane, Slade, Nicole, Derek, Luke, Natalie and Alex; great-Grandchildren:  Eric, Ashley, Rich, Madeline, Nelson, Sienna, Ava, Mason, and Drew; great-Great Granddaughter: Willow; step-Grandchildren:  Lucas, Meghan, John, Jenny, Jessica and Donna; step-Great Grandchildren:  Charlotte, Nolan, River & Willow and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Paul & Louise Smith, Brother Stanley (Shirley), sister Ruby (Anthony).  Great-granddaughter Kathryn Grace Kelly Hendrikson.
The Funeral Mass was on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Waupaca.  Visitation was from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. The Maple Crest Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff at ThedaCare Medical Center for the compassionate care of Janetta.