Charles Mathew Smith

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Charles Mathew Smith "Bud", beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully at the Lakeview Medical Center in Rice Lake surrounded by his family on October 9, 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer. 
 
Charles was born on October 22, 1924 to Roy and Elizabeth (Schaaf) Smith, grew up in Elk Mound and graduated from Elk Mound High School in May 1943. After graduation he and Gloria Svihovec were married and have celebrated their marriage for 62 years. 
He then joined the US Navy and served his country for two years during WW II. He worked for Uniroyal in Eau Claire until his retirement. Charles and Gloria moved to Cameron, WI after retirement.

 
Charles is survived by his loving wife Gloria; three sons, Gary of Fall Creek, Larry (Caroline) of Stanley and Keith (Marianna) of Shakopee, MN; two daughters, Bonnalyn (Jim) Pannier and Laura (Dave) Gifford both of Rice Lake; thirteen grandchildren, Eric (Alicia) Pannier of Rice Lake, Meggan (Cory) Bixby of Bloomer, MacKenzie Smith of Madison, Jesse (Sarah) Smith of Eau Claire, Jeremy Smith of Fall Creek, Tracy (Jason) Wagner of Boyd, Kristina Smith of Stanley, Travis (Veronica) Smith of Shakopee, MN, Derek Smith of Eau Claire, Andrew, Zachary and Elizabeth Gifford of Rice Lake; five great-grandchildren, Grace Mason, Cole Pannier, Jack Bixby, Kaylee Wagner and Olivia Gifford; two brothers, Edward of Eau Claire and Dale of Scottsdale, AZ and one sister, Eva Erpenbach of Elk Mound; many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. 
 
His parents, two brothers, Frederick and Ralph and one sister, Eleanor Fuerst, preceded Charles in death. Charles celebrated life! He lived joyfully and was an example of faith, honor, love and loyalty. The world is a better place because of his life and he is missed. 
 
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 14, 2005 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Elk Mound, WI with Pastor Charles Strong and Pastor Margaret DeMaris officiating. Burial with Military Rites by American Legion Post 53 will be in Wauneka Cemetery in Elk Mound. 
 
Friends may call at Fuller-Speckien Funeral Home in Eau Claire from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening and at the church on Friday one hour prior to the service. 
 
Fuller-Speckien Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 
 
Family and friends may send condolences online at www.fullerspeckien.com.