Gayle Smith

Gayle Smith of Viroqua, formerly of Readstown, was born August 21, 1921, to Guy and Hazel (Alexander) Smith in Readstown. He passed away peacefully on April 30, 2022, at his home. He attended Day Creek School and Readstown High School, graduating with honors. On August 27, 1947, he married Barbara Weber. They farmed together on his family farm until retiring to Viroqua in 2007. He was a good farmer, making a good farm better by being one of the first to use new conservation methods such as planting many trees. He had many other interests such as making maple syrup, hunting with both gun and bow, bow fishing for carp and smoking them in his homemade smoker, woodworking which showed his artistic talent in the cabinets and farm toys he made, repairing and restoring old tractors which he sold at an auction, making his own arrows, enjoying archery matches with neighbors, and traveling. He taught himself to play the harmonica, which was a joy to him and others that he entertained sometimes on bus tours. Gayle was a Christian all his life and served the Sugar Grove Church of Christ in many capacities. He leaves his wife, Barbara; daughter, Carol (Garry) Baker; grandchildren, Brenda (Brian) Richardson, Caryn (Lyle) Hinebauch, Bryce (Emily) Baker; and daughter, Sharon; grandchildren, Kimberly (Darrin) Coe, and Lisa (David) Fauss; sisters, June McKittrick and Lynne (Larry) McLernon; brother-in-law, David Weber; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gweneth Lynch; brothers-in-law, Darrel, Hugh, and Emmett Weber, Howard Lynch and Neely McKittrick; and infant granddaughter, Yvonne Baker. In lieu of flowers, Gayle’s family suggests potted plants that can be grown in his memory, or memorials to Gundersen Hospice or Sugar Grove Church of Christ. A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Sugar Grove Church of Christ, east of Readstown on Highway 14. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Gayle will be laid to rest at Sugar Grove Cemetery following the service. Sime Funeral Home in Readstown is serving Gayle's family. 106 S. 4th Street Readstown, WI 54652 (608) 629-5651