Lawrence E. Smith, 99, formerly of Marshfield passed away the early morning of Thursday, September 10, 2026 at the home in Sheboygan. 

A Funeral is scheduled for 11:00 Wednesday, September 16th at the Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield with Deacon Ray Draeger officiating. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery with military honors provided by the VFW Mueller-Hintz Post #1866. The family welcomes relatives and friends for visitation from 9am until time of service Wednesday at the funeral home.

Lawrence was born August 27, 1927 in New London, WI to Carl and Phyllis (Reed) Smith. He grew up in Rhinelander, attending school there. Following graduation he was drafted into the US Army during the closing days of WWII in 1945 and served at Camp McCoy (now Fort McCoy). He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to Rhinelander briefly before furthering his education. He was united in marriage to the late former Miss Velma Baltus on July 14, 1956 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Marshfield. Together they raised 5 kids. She sadly passed in 2003.

Mr. Smith held a Masters in education and was a longtime educator at Washington Elementary School in Sheboygan for 35 years before retiring in 1989. He was an avid football fan having played in high school and college and regularly watched the Packers. Lawrence also loved “Big Band” Music and through this he learned to play piano as an adult. He was also well-travelled, notably having visited the Panama Canal and Ireland. He was active in the Sheboygan Knights of Columbus for many years, but above all Lawrence was a family man.

Lawrence is survived by his children: Ellen Murphy of Sheboygan, Kathleen (Randy Stange) Smith of Sheboygan, Michael Smith of Palatine, IL, Philip Smith of Madison, and Jennifer Smith of Marshfield. He is further survived by 2 granddaughters: Casey and Emily Murphy; and 1 great-grandson: Aidin Lutzke.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Velma, brother Jack, and sisters Janet Dunham and Judith Cagle.