Ronald Lee Smith

Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Ronald Lee Smith, 79, peacefully slipped into eternity at home on November 2, 2025. Ron was born in Norfolk, Virginia on August 16, 1946, to the late William Arthur and Elsie (nee Styron) Smith Lewis. After graduating from Deep Creek High School in 1965, Ron enlisted in the United States Navy where he served our great nation along with his brothers, Stan, Bill, and John, and was honorably discharged after ten years. Ron continued his service to others by joining the North Shore Fire Department which served the Brown Deer Community in Wisconsin until an injury in the line of duty forced his retirement.

One of Ron’s greatest passions in life was working on cars, especially the restoration of Model A Fords. He shared this enjoyment with his brother, John, both of whom would get into antique car projects and swap knowledge, elbow grease, and car parts together. One of Ron’s proudest restorations was of a 1928 Model A Fordor “Leatherback” which he enjoyed driving to Model A Ford Reunions with his family in tow. Later in life, he enjoyed being a snowbird, escaping severe winters by RVing to Florida and Texas. Regardless of his physical limitations that challenged him in more recent years, he always strived to be in the service of others, whether helping others with projects when he could, or just spending quieter moments with family and friends.  

In addition to his parents, William and Elsie, Ron was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Lee Smith (June 2005); brother, Stanley Allen Smith (February 2025); and sister-in-law, Katherine Smith (October 2025).  

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 51 years, Diane (nee Fischer) Smith, their daughter, Laura and granddaughter, Emmalyn (Jared Welsch); his first wife, Sheila Poulter and their daughters, Patricia and Susan; and grandchildren, Laurel Treon (Erik), Jeffrey (Meredith), Cerisse, and Corey; his son, Eric (Tina) and grandchildren, Gilbert and Ari; sister, Betty Capps and her husband, Nathan, Sr.; brother, William Smith and his wife, Fay; brother, John Smith and his wife, Kathy; brother, Jack Smith, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Funeral Services to celebrate Ron’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Harder Funeral Home, 18700 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin 53045. A visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at St. Paul’s (Erin) United Church of Christ, 495 St. Augustine Road, Colgate, Wisconsin 53017-9761.

The service will be livestreamed for anyone unable to be in attendance at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88635598138?pwd=IFAQBChNoaATK1dB0fxvQVgjHaeZ8v.1

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Ron to the International Association of Firefighters Foundation at: https://donate.iaff.org/CSiDonate/Give.aspx/YU8A5QZL?txta=100.00#c