Ralph W. Smet 77, of De Pere passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning April 2, 2014. He was born July 23, 1936 in De Pere to the late Robert and Henrietta (Verboort) Smet. On February 11, 1961 he was united in marriage to Darlein "Dar" Andre at St. Boniface Catholic Church in De Pere. Ralph is a U.S. veteran having served his country in the Marines. In 2001 he retired from Tec Systems. Ralph loved to plan and navigate car trips throughout the country, and has been coast to coast and corner to corner. He also liked woodworking, lawn work, bicycle rides with Dar, card games with his little group of neighbors and his grandchildren's extracurricular activities. Sunday Dinners with the family were very important to Ralph. Ralph was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, and Knights of Columbus Council #3955.
He is survived by his wife Dar, their children; Todd (Julie) Smet, Michael (Patricia) Smet, and Patrick (Diane) Smet. Ralph's nine grandchildren, Ashley, Noah, Adam, Zachary, Justin, Nicole, Jennah, Trevor, and Ryan survive, as well as his siblings; Fr. Leroy Smet, Daniel (Karen) Smet, Dorothy (Tom) Scott, Steven (Lynn) Smet, his sister in law Caroline Smet, Dar's family and numerous nieces and nephews all survive him.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers Gerald and John.
Friends may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, corner of Lourdes Ave. and Suburban Drive, De Pere after 9am Wednesday April 9, 2014. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am with Fr. Tim Shillcox O.Praem officiating burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Full military rites will follow the Mass. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family. The RYAN FUNERAL HOME of De Pere is assisting the Smet family. Dar and the boys would like to thank all of the Doctors and nurses that have assisted Ralph to make this journey a little lighter. Special thanks to Donna who was there throughout the many difficult times.
In Lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established for Unity Hospice.
