Gilbert J. "Gil" Smet

Gilbert "Gil" J. Smet, 91, of Fond du Lac, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at the Hospice Home of Hope. Gil was born on September 27, 1922 in Fond du Lac, the son of August and Kathryn (Corrigan) Smet. On April 10, 1948, he married Cynthia "Jean" McNinch in Fond du Lac. He retired from the City of Fond du Lac Public Water Works in 1985 after 36 years of service. He was a lifelong member of St. Louis Church and most recently a member of Holy Family Parish. Gil was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. What Gil was most proud of was his service during the Second World War. From 1942-1946, Gil served in the US Army as a Staff Sergeant, operating a half track in the 27th Armored Infantry Battalion, 9th Infantry Division. Gil saw extensive combat throughout Europe, most notably at the Battle of the Bulge and the capture of the Ludendorff Bridge over the Rhine River at Remagen, Germany. Among various medals, he received the Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Battle Stars as well as the Good Conduct Medal. In 2011, Gil was able to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. as a part of the Old Glory Honor Flight. Gil is survived by his daughter-in-law, Lynette Krohn of Fond du Lac, three grandchildren; Randy (Laura) Krohn of Conover, WI, Diane (Mike) Knighton of Milwaukee, and Jim (Amy) Krohn of Milwaukee, and four great-grandchildren; Alyssa, Alex, Emily and Madison. He is further survived by two sisters-in-law; Georgene Smet and Nancy McNinch, both of Fond du Lac, a brother-in-law, Darwin (Dolores) McNinch of Oshkosh and many nieces, nephews and friends that will also miss him. Gil was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his step-son, Wayne Krohn, four brothers; Harold (Norma) Smet, Justin (Jean) Smet, Robert (Irene) Smet, Delbert Smet, and two sisters, Dorothy Smet and Kathryn (Carl) Goron.



A visitation will be held Saturday, December 14, 2013 from 9-11AM at Holy Family Parish, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac, 54937. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11AM. Entombment will follow at the Chapel of the Risen Christ at Calvary Cemetery in Fond du Lac. If you so desire, memorials can be made in Gils memory to the Hospice Home of Hope, 400 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.Additional information and guestbook can be found at www.ueckerwitt.com