Norman Leroy Smith

Norman Leroy Smith (91) of Durand, WI died Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the Plum City Care Center. He was born September 17, 1926 in Waterville Township, Pepin County, WI; son of Arthur and Susan (Clark) Smith. Norman was the ninth of twelve children, ten boys and two girls. As Norman grew up, he had chores to do and then helped with farm work. He attended the lower Spring Creek School and worked for Erickson Dairy in Durand. Norman served in the United States Navy in the Seabees division during World War II.
On February 16, 1941 he married Verta Rosenberg at the Methodist Parsonage in Durand. They lived all their married life in Durand. Norman worked for Bauer Built hauling oil from Minneapolis. He then worked at Polzer’s Garage as a mechanic. He continued his career as a parts man for Polzer’s, E & S Auto and John Deere.
Norman served on the Durand Fire Department for 35 years and also as rural fire chief for 33 years. He earned many awards with the Fire Department and was elected Wisconsin Fire Fighter of the Year. He helped start the Durand Ambulance Department. Before retiring, Norman started a business selling and repairing fire extinguishers- “Smith’s Fire Safety Service”. He was a member of the American Legion Post #181 and a member of the United Methodist Church. In his spare time, Norman enjoyed hunting, fishing and collecting fire memorabilia. He also loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Verta of Durand; two daughters, Shirley Girard of Durand and Susan (Michael) Doney of Eau Claire; son, Dennis (Beth) Smith of Elk Mound; seven grandchildren, Eric (Tania) Girard, Kari (Charles) Wold, Teri (Terry) Slifer, Matthew (Liz)Dolloff, Justin (Alyssa) Smith, Whitney Ronnei and Megan Smith; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; sister, Marjorie Samuelson of Durand; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Susan (Clark) Smith; nine brothers, Elwin, Ralph, Garold, Floyd, Robert, Earl, Lyle, Kenneth and Raymond; two sisters, Ila Prissel and infant sister, Beth; and two sons-in-law, David Dolloff and Randy Girard.
Memorial services will be 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Durand with Pastor Grace Baldridge officiating. Military rites by the Durand American Legion Post# 181 will follow the service. Burial will be in the spring at Forest Hill Cemetery in Durand. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Durand and one hour prior to services on Thursday. Goodrich Funeral Home in Durand is assisting the family. To express on-line condolences visit www.goodrichfh.com