John Ahern Smith Age 71, of Rice Lake, WI, died Monday, November 25, 2024 in Rice Lake.

He was born on August 27, 1953 in Minneapolis, MN to James and Patricia (Spafford) Smith. John graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1971 and then attended UW Barron County Campus. He moved to Minneapolis for a couple years and then back to Rice Lake to help his mother at J.W. Smith and Sons, and married the love of his life, Sharon Becker on August 10, 1974. After leaving the family business, he went on to work in sales, winning Salesman of the Year more than once. He retired in 2015, though working part-time delivering auto parts and getting paid to listen to sports on the radio, until full retirement in 2019. He was an avid sports lover - all sports all seasons, enjoyed reading, fishing, he was a biking enthusiast, potential Jeopardy contestant, and always quick to text his loved ones. John was a nature documentarian for his family text thread. He was a devoted family man and loved fiercely, especially his grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife, Sharon Smith; 3 children, Jennifer Smith, Jill (David) Warning and Jim (Amber Margolis) Smith; 4 grandchildren, Jasmine, Rumi, Asher and Lukey; siblings, Stephen (Christine), Bill Smith, Margaret Smith (Karrie Baas), Patrick (Diana) Smith and Michael Smith; many in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Patricia Smith. A celebration of his life will be held from 4-7PM Monday, December 23, 2024 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI.

Last Update: Nov 29, 2024 9:28 am CST