John E. Smith

John E. Smith, age 84, of Hartford, WI passed away on April 17, 2026, at Cedarburg Health Services in Cedarburg, WI.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. John was born December 19, 1942, in Hartford, WI to Everett and Anne (Metz) Smith. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1960 and was stationed in Germany from 1961 to 1963.

John’s working years were spent in the Outboard Marine Industry. He worked in various supervisor and management capacities for Chrysler Marine, Bayliner, US. Marine and Mercury Marine. John’s interests included antique cars, in which he restored a 1952 International Pickup. He also owned a 1958 Buick Special and a 1970 Pontiac LeMans Convertible. He was a frequent visitor to area car shows with his cars. As a member of the Allenton Lions Club, his passion for antique cars led him to co-found the Allenton Lions Car Show and swap meet. John’s other interests included toy car/truck/tractor collecting, skeet/trap shooting, golfing and venturing to Florida to spend his winters.

John is survived by his wife of 48 years, June, sons John (Theresa) Smith, Brian Peterson, Martin (Heidi) Peterson, sisters Patricia Darling and Charlotte Laufenberg, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. John is preceded in death by his brother Jerome, half-brother Jim, and son Joe.

Graveside services will be held at a later date at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hartford.

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