Edgar Smith

Edgar (Ed) Melvin Smith passed away surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday October 15th, 2023. He was born to DeVerne and Opal Smith on January 7, 1943, in Viola, WI. He grew up in the Kickapoo Valley, learning to swim in the Kickapoo River, farming, and hunting for morel mushrooms every spring, a hobby he maintained throughout the entirety of his life. He came to the southwest part of Wisconsin when he opened a bar with his niece called Ed & Peg's Bar in Hollandale, WI. He worked over 30 years of his life as a crew lead and machine operator in the construction industry, first for Gabe's and later for Intercon Construction, before retiring in 2004. He was a proud member of Operating Engineers Local 139. As a testament to his impenetrable work ethic, Ed continued to work until his final few years. He would often say the best time of his life was spent raising his children (Tonia, Stacy, Scott) in Blanchardville, WI. He loved watching them play sports and was often one of the first spectators to arrive, ensuring he could get the seat he wanted on the top row near the middle of the bleachers; he never missed a game. Ed also enjoyed vacations and took his family on several, often by car, visiting many of the great sites throughout the US. In the latter part of his life, you could find Ed at Husies in Blanchardville, enjoying a good card game with friends. He would also make the occasional trip to Laughlin, NV or take a long drive with a buddy to spend a few days at various casinos in the quad cities. Ed is survived by his children Tonia Smith, Stacy Smith (Dave Kammerud), Scott Smith (Anna Hundt Golden), Cindy Smith and Jamie Smith, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother Tim (Kate) Smith and niece Peg Ledman, who was more like a sister to him, as well as Karen Smith, his ex-wife. He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 sisters, Nada Smith, Elaine Stoikes, Neva Bolstad and Marie Sutherland, daughter-in-law Shannon Smith and grandson Louis Porter Smith. Please join us at Husies in Blanchardville on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 at Noon to honor the life Ed lived. In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society.