Michael Smock

Michael Smock, age 81, of Neillsville, WI, died Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Marshfield Medical Center in Neillsville.

Michael Lawrence Smock was born on September 27, 1942, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio the son of Lawrence and Hildegard (Bender) Smock. When Michael was young, he and his parents moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, where he graduated from high school in 1960. Mike served in the United States Army from May 13, 1964 to May 12, 1966, and was decorated as a sharpshooter. When he returned home from the service, he bought a tavern in Oshkosh, WI. It was here that he met Sandy Free; they were united in marriage on June 5, 1968. They moved to Oconto, WI, and Mike began his career selling boats for Cruisers Inc. They moved to Neillsville, Sandy’s hometown, to raise their two children, Mandy and Thomas. Mike continued selling boats, and he helped Brian and Judy Schmidt out at the White Horse Restaurant bartending and entertaining with magic tricks. He lost his wife, Sandy in 2005, and later, he united with his life-partner, Bonnie Henchen.

Mike was a member of the Haugen-Richmond American Legion Post #73, the Winx Conservation Club of Wisconsin and the Neillsville Country Club, where he was long referred to as the “club pro”. For many years at the Club, he taught lessons, worked with the youth golf program and helped out in any way he could, often with his beloved, well-trained, labs by his side. Mike enjoyed taking pictures of almost anything, but especially sporting events, senior pictures and nature pictures. He also enjoyed playing Texas Hold’em with the guys on Wednesdays.

He is survived by a daughter, Mandy (Ron) Krejci of Neillsville; a son, Thomas (Cindy) of Appleton, WI; six grandchildren, Derek, Sabrina, Serina, Emily, Aubrey and Hannah, sisters-in-law, Cindy (Melvin) Boon of Neillsville and Lori (John) Schneider of Marshfield, WI, one brother-in-law, Thomas (Konnie) Free of Menasha, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy, his parents, Lawrence and Hildegard Smock, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Betty Free, and his beloved dogs, Shelly, Shadow, Bear, Cody, Luck and Jack.

A Celebration of Life for Mike will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. A final salute and Military Honors will be performed by the Neillsville Veteran’s Council at 3:00 p.m.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Mike’s family with funeral arrangements.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.