Fred Smith

Fred Smith of Frankenmuth, age 95, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Covenant Glen in Frankenmuth. Fred was born at home in Columbia Township, Tuscola County on October 1, 1927, the son of the late William & Susanna (Dettweiler) Smith. He served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer in the United States Occupation Army of Germany from 1945 to 1947, when he was honorably discharged. Fred was united in marriage with Jo Ann Westfall on November 6, 1948, and the couple has cherished over seventy-four years together. He was employed as a supervisor with General Motors for thirty-four years, retiring in 1984. Following his retirement, he began a new career doing what he loved best, working in the lawn and garden trade. Over the next several years, he began a successful business doing lawn maintenance and landscaping. When he retired for a second time, he used his expertise to work at golf courses in the Frankenmuth area maintaining the flower beds and enjoying the added perk of playing unlimited free golf. Fred loved working outdoors and received great satisfaction from making things grow. He was a firm believer in working hard, doing a job correctly, doing your part, and treating others fairly. Fred and Jo Ann are charter members of the Frankenmuth United Methodist Church for over sixty years where Fred served on several committees and helped to beautify the grounds. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Jo Ann Smith of Frankenmuth; three children and their spouses, Michael & Cindy Smith of Frankenmuth, Richard & Sue Jane Smith of Metamora, Carol & Alan Goff of Sun City West, Arizona; grandchildren, Gerald & Stacey Goff, Bryan & Sarah Goff, Amy & Mike Livorsi, Aaron & Kala Smith, Keri & Paul Dumond, Ashley & Dave Hundey; one brother and his wife, Don & Carol Smith of Caro; many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by six brothers, Alvin, Eldin, Roy, John, Bill, and Richard; five sisters, Mabel Smith, Rose Lehner, Mary Smith, Pearl Venema, and Ruth Boggs. The Smith family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Covenant Glen in Frankenmuth for their expert and loving care. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the Frankenmuth United Methodist Church with Rev. Ryan Wenburg officiating. Military honors will follow the service. The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Frankenmuth United Memorial Church Fund. Visitation Information Date: Thursday, June 15, 2023 Time: 10:00 am End Time: 12:00 pm The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. Service Information Date: Thursday, June 15, 2023 Time: 12:00 pm A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the Frankenmuth United Methodist Church with Rev. Ryan Wenburg officiating.