Clarence F. Smith

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Clarence "Fred" F. Smith, 88, formerly of Fond du Lac, Wisc., and a resident of All About Life Rehabilitation Center since 2005, died Friday, April 9, 2010 at St. Agnes Hospital.

He was born June 9, 1921 in Du Quoin, Ill. On June 21, 1947, he married Mildred "Mickey" D. Kudlacek in Wheeling, Ill.

Fred had been a resident of Fond du Lac for over 30 years. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy. Fred was on board the USS West Virginia on Dec. 7, 1941 when it was struck during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He worked as a radio announcer in Beaver Dam and was an industrial salesman. He was honored as "Best in Sales" a few years. Fred was a member of Church of Peace and served as an usher for six years. He was a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and VFW Post 1904. He enjoyed dancing, watching television and going to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association conventions.

Survivors include his wife, Mildred "Mickey" Smith of Fond du Lac, Wisc.; cousins, Raymond (Ina Mae) Halstead of Du Quoin, Ill., Vera (Sandy) Ricks of Utah; nieces and nephews; one sister-in-law, Betty (Arthur) Cermak of Adams, Wisc.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Alice Halstead; his parents; one sister, Antionette and one brother-in-law, Frank Kudlacek.

Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home and again on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 15 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home with Rev. Jennifer C.M. Dawson officiating. Burial will follow in Rienzi Cemetery. The Trier-Puddy American Legion Post #75 conducted military graveside services.

Uecker-Witt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com.