Michael Knight Smith's Obituary
Michael Knight Smith joined his Heavenly Father on June 18, 2025. He was born to Caroline Vidlund and John Smith, in Appleton WI on July 10, 1937. Mike had two younger brothers, Ross Smith and Steven (DeDe) Smith. At the age of 11, he joined the family of Aunt Marion and Uncle Edward Peotter, in Seymour WI, along with their 4 children Edward Jr. (Anne) Peotter, Betty (Jim) Felt, Marjorie (Don) Beyer, and David (Janet) Peotter.
Mike enjoyed hunting and fishing. He married the catch of his life, Gloria Jean Bohn, in August of 1963. Mike gained more siblings with his marriage to Gloria – Betty (Mel) Wirth, Don (Delores) Bohn, Warren (Gloria) Bohn, Loretta (Ed) Allen, and Doug (Mary Ahoen) Bohn. Together Mike and Gloria have three children who were treasured by their father – Pam (Chris) McClintock, Paul Smith, and Greg Smith. He is further survived by five grandchildren – Bethany (Steven) Lynch, Michael (Jackie) McClintock, Connor (Natalie) Smith, Brendan Smith and Norah Smith, five great grandchildren, many special nieces and nephews as well as beloved family friend – Melanie Hardin.
After graduating from the University of WI Stevens Point, Mike served in the U.S. Army and Reserves for 3 years. He started in the Food and Drug Administration, then joined the IRS where he worked for 38 years before retiring to work for the family business - Bohn Farms of Waukau, WI.
Mike’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends, especially playing dominoes. Memories of time together at the family cottage on Little Long Lake are special to all. They enjoyed traveling throughout the US, Europe & Asia, but the most treasured trips were those to Kentucky and Minnesota to spend time with their family as well as elk hunting trips to Colorado, fishing trips to Canada, and mission trips with Volunteers in Mission.
Mike was a cherished member of Wesley United Methodist Church for 49 years, where he has served in many roles including singing with a beautiful tenor voice until shortly before his passing and serving as finance trustee for many years. He also took great joy in supporting the youth of the church.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, many siblings, and daughter-in-law Anne Langenfeld Smith (Paul). A Celebration of Life will take place at Wesley United Methodist Church on August 8th with visitation from 10:00am-12:00pm, a service at noon and luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mike’s memory to Wesley United Methodist Church or the Oshkosh Area Community Pantry.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Evergreen Manor, his special team at Moments Hospice, and his medical team for their compassionate care and support during Mike’s final days.
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