Genevieve Smits

Genevieve Mary (Gen) Smits, age 92, of De Pere passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2022 surrounded by family. She was born on February 16, 1930 in Green Bay to the late Esther and Cornelius Peeters. On May 16, 1953 she married the love of her life Rollie Smits and they spent 56 years together until his passing in 2009.
A loving wife and mother, her favorite times were spent with family. Raising her family, Gen was a fabulous cook and baker, Thanksgiving dinner was a treat to look forward to and the kids always had home baked cookies. Gen and her sister Florence Baeten founded a 4H Club “Small Talk” that encouraged children to learn new skills and practice values with hands-on experiences. Small Talk was so successful it won various state awards.
Fun loving and always open to new experiences, Gen enjoyed adventures and traveling with her best friend Rollie and brother and sister-in-law Larry and Vicki Peeters throughout their life together. They went to the Canary Islands, Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, and many destinations in the United States. Never one to pass up a good card game, Gen was always ready to win a few nickels at Sheephead. She was known as “Lucky Gen” during the family bus trips to surrounding casinos where she won a big screen TV, a rocking chair, and a cruise for 4. Gen’s bowling team was comprised of daughters and family. The best part of bowling was the line dancing lessons the team went to afterwards. By the end of the season they could have been on Dancing with the Stars.
We hope Gen is most remembered for her open heart and generous spirit. She was introduced to second families as her children married. Gen welcomed the new spouses and grandchildren with open arms. Gen embraced her new families as her own. Gen’s courage and independent spirit kicked in when the love of her life died. When Rollie passed away 13 years ago Gen learned how to manage her finances, pay her bills, and relearn to drive a car. Any family member going through a difficult time, Gen was right there for support and love. It was these attributes that made Gen the person we will all miss very much.
Gen is survived by her three children: Barbara (Steve) Van Egeren of New Franken, Karen (Richard) Del Marcelle of De Pere, and Jeff (Karen) Smits of Green Bay; grandchildren: Tavia (Troy) Smits, Lydia (Dane) Holl, Jessica Nick and Justin Flickinger, James (Ashley) Nick, Joe (Hillary) Nick, Ryan (Jennifer) Del Marcelle, and Brandon Del Marcelle; great-grandchildren: Liam Borley, Miles Smits, Mason and Elliot Flickinger, Ellison, Jay, and William Nick, Gordon, Maxwell, and Walter Nick, Boe and Lenni Del Marcelle, and Evalina Del Marcelle; brother and sister: Florence (Don) Baeten of De Pere, and Irv (Vi) Peeters of De Pere; sisters-in-law: Florence Heim of De Pere, Junella Smits of Green Bay, Rosemary (Lyle) Mangin of Reedsville, Laverne Heezen of De Pere, and Rita Smits of Texas.
Gen was preceded in death by her parents Esther and Cornelius Peeters; mother-in-law and father-in-law Peter and Hattie Smits; brother and sister-in-law Bob and Pat Peeters; brother Larry Peeters; brothers-in-law: Harry Smits, Henry P. Heezen, Ervin Heim, Merlin Smits, and Roger Smits, Edward (Lynn) Smits; great grandson Hamilton Nick.
Family and friends may visit at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Drive, Ledgeview, on Wednesday, May 25, from 9:00am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Mike Ingold officiating. Burial will be at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.
Special thanks to people who made Gen’s final days better; Bellin ICU, Bellin Home Health Care providers, Fr. Mike at St. Mary’s De Pere and Dr. Mike Hodulik.