Albert Vern Smith, of Antigo, died Friday, March 10, 2015 at Homme Home of Wittenberg. He was 89 years old.

He was born April 2, 1926 in Hawkins, WI son of the late Franklin and Minnie (Johnson) Smith. He married Virginia (Wodarski) on August 28, 1948 in Chicago, and she preceded him in death on February 7, 2012.

Mr. Smith was a graduate of Tony High School. He worked as a machinist, and retired from Merit Gear.

He served in World War II as a coxswain in the US Navy. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and participated in the veteran’s Honor Flight in 2011.

He was a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles band of the Lake Superior Chippewa.

Mr. Smith belonged to SS. Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church.

Survivors include 5 children, David (Rinda) Smith of Phoenix, AZ, Donna Spencer Siegman of Antigo, Donald (Joan) Smith of Wausau, Robert (Donna) Smith of Sheboygan, and Michael (Debbie) Smith of Phoenix, AZ; 22 grandchildren, Diana, David Jr., Cathy, Robin, Jenny, Patrick, Jared, Katherine, Jeremy, Paul, Jason, Joshua, Adrienne, Sarah, Emily, Serena, Justin, Christopher, Tammy, Robbie, Melody, and Holly; 40 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by 4 sisters, Ida, Pearl, Ruby, and Ruth; and 2 brothers, Elmer and Franklin; and a son-in-law, Ronnie Spencer.

A funeral mass will take place at 11:00 on Thursday at SS. Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church, with Fr. Jeremiah Worman officiating. Visitation will be 4:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home, and 9:45-10:45 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery following the service. Local veterans will perform military rites at the graveside.