Richard W. Smith of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away on Saturday March 9, 2019 Formerly WB9EMO and NU9U Dick will be greatly missed by his friends on 3840.
Richard W. Smith, W9RWS SK Richard W. Smith, 64, went to his heavenly home on March 9, 2019, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. He was born on April 27, 1954 in Monroe, to William and Marilyn (Kvale) Smith. He lived and went to school in New Glarus until he was eight. The Smith family then moved to Whitewater. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1972. After graduation he attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, graduating in 1977 with a bachelor of arts in history. While at UW-Whitewater he met his future wife, Gail Zastrow. They were married on Nov. 1, 1975, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Watertown. Rick was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and lived with his wife, Gail, in Fort Atkinson. Rick worked for the food service company at UW-Whitewater while attending college. Upon graduation, he worked as a janitor and later was promoted to a building maintenance lead worker at UW-Whitewater. After 30 years he took early retirement in May of 2009. Rick was an avid ham radio operator gaining his novice license in 1969. He continued to advance to an Extra license, holding many calls over the years: WN9EMO, WB9EMO, NU9U and finally W9RWS. He was a member of the Tri-County Amateur Radio Club. Rick enjoyed collecting amateur radios and equipment, and vintage AM/FM radios. From an early age he enjoyed repairing electronic equipment. He also loved fishing and camping with his family. Rick was a voracious reader and knowledgeable on many subjects, especially World War II. He loved playing with all his grandchildren. Rick is survived by his wife, Gail; daughter, Jessica (Nathan) Belz of Amery; and son, Evan (Rebecca Wallace) of Lakeville, Minn. He also is survived by his seven grandchildren, Grace Belz, Jeremy Belz, Lana Belz, Cora Smith, Rylan Smith, Micah Smith and Asher Smith; his mother, Marilyn (Kvale) Smith; sisters, Karla (Charles) Jacobson, Joan Smith Schenning and Nancy Smith; brother, Brian Smith; special friends, Cary Maas, Larry Watson, Greg Schenning and Danny Hoffman; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and friends. Rick’s father, William J. Smith, preceded him in death. Visitation will be Friday, March 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson. The service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, 404 Roosevelt St. in Fort Atkinson, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Crown of Life Christian Academy, Lakeside Lutheran High School, Bethany Lutheran Church or your favorite charity. The family would like to thank the staffs and doctors of St. Mary’s Hospital and Fort HealthCare for all of their care over the years. www.nitardyfuneralhome.com https://www.dailyunion.com/obituari...cle_70ddc4d4-1e33-58d2-a3c7-140f7fb90d87.html
