Wayne Smithback

Utica - Wayne E. Smithback, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Utica on April 18, 2016. Wayne was born August 3, 1929 to Gordon and Verna Smithback. His childhood and all but a few months of his adult life were spent on the family farm near Utica. Wayne went to school in a one-roomed schoolhouse known as Lenaas School. He married Joyce Phillips on February 17, 1950 and together they raised their family and farmed for fifty-four years. Wayne was a farmer through and through. In addition to his dairy cows he loved raising chickens, geese, ducks and even pheasants. It wasn't unusual to find any number of raccoon's and other rescued wildlife being cared for at the farm or baby chicks being carefully kept warm in Joyce's oven for that matter. In his younger years he trapped miles of trap-line in the creeks of Christiania and Pleasant Springs with much success. He shared this hobby with both his sons.

Wayne was an avid collector and restorer of John Deere two-cylinder tractors, building a collection of over 30 tractors. He spent hours tinkering and tuning on his green and yellow fleet. He took great pride in sharing the tractors and their history with family and friends.

Wayne and Joyce enjoyed many evenings with friends dancing and listening to all types of music. He spoke fondly of the "dance hall" days and told great stories about the bands and performers they saw over the years. As well as hours and hours of snowmobiling with family and friends on area trails.

Wayne's passion for family and friends was evident in all he did. Never turning down a friend and always in line to help. He set a wonderful example for his children and grandchildren on how life should be lived. He was a loving father to his children; daughter Diane(Bill) Orcholski, sons David(Tammie) Smithback and Doug Smithback. He was a proud Grandpa to his grandchildren; Rachel Wiseman, Carla Weber(Paul Westbrook), Ryan(Christina) Weber, Tracy(Adam) Travis, Jay Smithback, and two step-granddaughters Laura(Jim) Orcholski and Sara(Rob & Danity) Orcholski. His legacy will live on thru his great-grandchildren Jordyn, Ayden, Chayce, & Lilly Plymesser; Alyse & Braxton Weber; Mackenzie & Brady Weber, and Cally, Casey & Carly Travis.

Wayne is further survived by step-sister Yvonne McCormick, brother-in-laws Stanley Lien & Lee(Judy) Phillips & many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother Alice Smithback, wife Joyce, sister Sharon Lien, nephew Steven Lien and great-grandson Cade Travis.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday April 22, 2016 at West Koshkonong Lutheran Church, 1911 Koshkonong Rd., Stoughton. Visitation will be held 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday April 21, 2016 at Cress Funeral Home, 201 Bue St., Deerfield. Additional visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at church. Wayne will be laid to rest next to his wife Joyce at West Koshkonong Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon immediately following the services.

Special thanks to Ronald James of Always Best Care for always giving his best to our Dad.

Wayne will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched... God "Took" A Farmer.