Michael P. Smithson

STOUGHTON – Michael (Mike) Phillip Smithson, age 68, of Stoughton, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, after a long and valiant 14-year battle with cancer. He fought tirelessly to overcome his illness, driven by his deep love for his family and his unwavering desire to remain by their side.

Mike was born on August 31, 1957, in Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin, the son of Philip and Rosemary (Fisher) Smithson.

Mike lived a full life marked by hard work, perseverance, and dedication. He graduated from Middleton High School, Class of 1975, while simultaneously working side by side with his uncle Babe, owner of Smitty’s Northport Import Volkswagen repair shop in Madison, WI. He then began his career at Fish Building Supply, where he advanced to the position of assistant store manager. He spent more than five years there working alongside his former brother-in-law, Rob Peterson, an experience he valued both professionally and personally.

He later built a successful career as a car salesman, proudly serving customers in both Wisconsin and Arizona for many years. Mike took great pride in his work and was known for his commitment to helping others. His dedication and strong work ethic earned him the distinction of Salesman of the Month on many occasions, an accomplishment he was especially proud of.

From his first marriage to Barb Peterson, he welcomed a son, Brad. He later found lasting love with Tamela Quam and embraced her daughter, Tara, as his own. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Amanda and Candyce, forming a beautiful, blended family that grew to include seven grandchildren over the course of their 40-year marriage.

In 2000, Mike found his dream job when he and his wife turned their shared hobby into a business. Together, they opened and operated a true “mom and pop” shop, the Stoughton Buy and Sell Shop. With an affinity for nostalgia and all things yesteryear, Mike found joy in connecting with customers—many of whom became friends—who shared his love for taking trips down memory lane. He made time tick again and brought forgotten toys back to life, gathering countless smiles along the way. He also enjoyed breathing new life into antique furniture, restoring pieces so they could be enjoyed once more.

Mike was surrounded by love in so many places. He will be remembered for his boyish smile, his love for desserts, his special recipe popcorn, his excitement in gift giving, his competitive game-night hoots and hollers, and his enjoyment of cheering on the Green Bay Packers. Above all, he was proud of his family and grateful for the life they built together.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Tami; son, Brad (Kristin) Smithson; stepdaughter, Tara (Kevin) Hudson; daughters, Amanda and Candyce Smithson; grandchildren, Drew Durkee Smithson; Dustin and Charrley Hudson; Nevaeh Smithson; Haedayn Thorpe; McKenna and Kynlee Heath; sister, Rosie (Ron) Dresen; mother, Rosemary Smithson; uncle, Babe (Anne) Smithson; brother-in-law, Alan Quam; sister-in-law, Cherie (Jeff) Pepper; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Philip Smithson Jr., and his brothers, Robert (Bob) Smithson and David Smithson, and several aunts and uncles.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, February 5, 2026, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and a funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect Street, Stoughton, Wisconsin. A gathering and luncheon will follow at the Otis Sampson American Legion in Stoughton from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.