Jeffrey E. Smith, 76, of Eau Claire passed away on Sunday, June 10, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Eau Claire.

Jeff was born on October 5, 1941, in Chicago IL, to Eugene and Lucile (Biesecker) Smith. He attended Memorial High School.

Jeff farmed with his dad and worked 46 years at Menard’s. Jeff worked as a member of the Pole Building Division. He stepped away from Construction and began running Manufacturing & Warehousing. Jeff also traveled many miles, as far as Montana with Building Materials. He was involved in building one of the first Menard’s stores. He worked in many positions and in 1979, settled as a mechanic.

In 1978, Jeff and his wife, Nancy, began Smith’s Firewood Business and just the in the last couple of years retired from that.

Jeff had many interests such as: snowmobiling, car club, bowling league, hunting deer and duck with his dad and favorite uncle, Donald Biesecker. Aunt Elevera was a great cook Jeff said and enjoyed her meals. Jeff loved fishing and ATVing with Nancy and camping with the kids in the summer. He enjoyed his trip skiing in Colorado with his brother, Brian, and can’t forget trap shooting. Jeff lived to shoot and had his own team at the Rod & Gun Club and also shot at Westgate. He won multiple awards. Jeff was a big animal lover and they all knew that and went to him freely to be played with.

Jeff married Nancy, 47 years ago in Eau Claire, and had been anxious to finally settle down and enjoy life together.

Jeff is survived by his wife; son from a previous marriage, Mark Smith (companion Yevet) of Wittman, AZ; four step-children, Jeff (Michelle) Freezy of Eau Claire, Todd (Zena) Freezy of Elk Mound, Mark (Chris) Freezy of Colfax and Corinna (Kevin) Brixen of Eau Claire; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Janice (Charles) Porter of Norcross, GA and Lori (Nick) Mellecker of Hills, IA; two brothers, Brian (Sandy) Smith of Stevens Point, WI, and Steve (Ann) Smith of Eau Claire; Uncle Donald & Aunt Elevera Biesecker of Eau Claire; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

A private celebration will be held for the immediate family at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the most caring and loving 3rd Floor Nurses, CNA’s, especially Dr. Allen, other surgeons, Chaplin, housekeeping and dietary staff that gave the best care anyone can receive. The staff were just wonderful to Jeff and his family. Thank you for all you did to get us through Jeff’s stay.

Jeff was a very gentle, kind person and will be forever in our hearts and will be missed by his wife, Nancy, and family.

To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.lenmarkfh.com