Obit: Smith, “Tony” Clifford (1952- 2021)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Smith, Botterff, Opelt, Gurney, Volk, Jacobson, Boyer, Boothe, Dimmitt, Pekol, Marg

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/10/2021

Smith, Clifford “Tony” (25 January 1952 – 7 October 2021) With Flag

Clifford “Tony” Smith, age 69, of Neillsville, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2021, at the UW Health University Hospital in Madison.

Clifford Anthony Smith was born on January 25, 1952, in Colby, KS the son of Raymond and Wanda (Botterff) Smith. In 1957, the family moved to Pray Road at Neillsville and in 1962 they moved to their long-time residence on US Highway 73 in the Town of Washburn. After completing his schooling, Tony entered the United States Army. He served in the Army for 24 years throughout the United States, Germany and Korea. Later in life, Tony reconnected with his childhood sweetheart, Janet (nee Opelt) Gurney. They were united in marriage on May 19, 2017, in Neillsville.

Tony was an amazing man, a Jack-of-all-trades with a heart of gold who would lend a hand to anyone in need. He was a wonderful, loving, son, brother, husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa, and friend. He was an adventurous man and loved doing things outside or working on projects in his shop. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting pool, and going on motorcycle rides with his childhood friend, Bobby. Most of all though, he loved his quality time he spent with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Janet, children, Sandy (Jorge) Volk, of Germany, Wendy (Jake) Jacobson of Washington State, Sharlene Smith of Neillsville, Sarah (Jason) Boyer of Neillsville, Clifford Smith of Neillsville, Dawn (Paul) Boothe of St. Augustine, FL, Mike (Angie) Gurney of Granton, and Bill (Kathy) Gurney of Neillsville, 23 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and six siblings, Mike (Sally) Smith of Neillsville, David (Shirley) Smith of Stratford, Pam (Rick) Dimmitt of Merrillan, Pattie Smith of Mosinee, Deenie (Mike) Pekol of Neillsville, and Mark (Tara) Smith of Eagle. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Wanda Smith.

A Memorial Service for Tony will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 14, 2021, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. Pastor Terry Marg will officiate. Military honors will be performed by the Neillsville Veteran’s Council. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Thursday at the Gesche Funeral Home.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Tony’s family with Funeral arrangements.