Marguerite "Margaret" Smits, 93, De Pere, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday evening, August 8, 2016. She was born November 16, 1922 to the late Edward and Anna (La Luzerne) Rademacher.
She graduated from Nicolet High School in 1940. She was known as Margaret of De Pere, and was proud to say she lived on Main Street her entire life. She married Richard Smits at St. Joseph Catholic Church in De Pere. She was a stay at home mom, caring for her eleven children.
Margaret enjoyed her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, knitting, crocheting, and trips to the casino. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, and the VFW Auxiliary.
Margaret is survived by her children, Jim (Sandi) Smits, Kathy (Jerry) Carter, Pat (Linda) Smits, Susan (Mark) Rusch, Ellen Enderby, Julie (Steve) Babiash, Terri (Roy) Fruzen, Tom Smits, Mike Smits, Rod (Lori) Smits, as well as 17 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and one on the way, her sister Bette Hermsen, her brother Edward (Toni) Rademacher and her sister in law Grace Van Grunsven - Crabb and brother in law Bob Janssen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, infant daughter Mary Jo, son in law Bruce Enderby, her sister Kathryn (Don) Jahn, and brothers in law Robert Hermsen, and George Kieffer.
Margaret was further preceded by Richard's family, Henry and Anna (Kleuskens) Smits and family; Biff (Florence) Smits, Merlin (Gen) Smits, Harold Smits, Marie (Vernon) Vanderheyden, Rita Janssen and Fred Van Grunsven
Friends may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, corner of Lourdes and Suburban, De Pere from 4:00PM 8:00PM on Thursday August 11, 2016. Visitation will continue after 9:00AM on Friday at the church until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM with Fr. Tim Shillcox O.Praem officiating. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family.
Special thanks to the Artisan staff, as well as Asera Care Hospice, Dr. Stephen Perry, the staff at Nicolet restaurant, and the 7:30AM Mass group at Our Lady of Lourdes.
