Jeffrey "Jeff" Smits

Jeffrey R. “Jeff” Smits, age 56, passed away June 19, 2015 at a local hospital. The son of William and Lois (Henningsen) Smits was born October 6, 1958 in Green Bay. He graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1977, and served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1977-1983 aboard the U.S.S. Mount Hood. Jeff worked as a boiler technician at Nicolet Paper and retired from Charter Street Heating and Cooling in Madison. In addition to being a faithful and dedicated Packer fan, he enjoyed being outdoors, bow hunting, camping, skeet shooting and watching movies. He loved his dog Dotty, who passed away shortly before Jeff did, and he always enjoyed the company of his granddog Queen. Survivors include his daughter: Natalie (Joe) Vandertie; son Dennis Pontow; grandchildren Gabrielle and Justice Pontow; his mother Lois Smits; sister Angela (KC) (Smits) Rauwald; brother Tim (Kiara) Smits; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Jeff was preceded in death by his father William; and a brother and sister, John and Donna. Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Avenue, De Pere, on Friday, June 26, from 1:00pm until the time of service at 3:00pm. Full military honors will follow. Online condolences at www.cotterfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff on the 6th floor at St. Vincent Hospital for their care and suppo