Jerry A. “Spud” Smetana, 78, of Burlington, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva.
Jerry was born on April 27, 1948, in Burlington to Stanley and Margaret (nee Pfanzelter) Smetana. He grew up in Rochester, attended St. Thomas Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. On March 13, 1971, he was united in marriage to Jean Louise Olson at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Jerry was a Naval Airplane Mechanic during the Vietnam War.
Jerry spent 45 years at Foster Forbes. He enjoyed bowling at Town and Country Lanes for the Friday Night Men’s League. He liked to trap shoot and reload his own ammo. He was a DNR Hunters Safety Instructor for many years. He loved to hunt, fish, birdwatch, anything to get outdoors. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Jean; children, Shon (Tracy Powell) Smetana, Bryan Smetana, and Nathan (Anne) Smetana; grandchildren, Kaesy (Kevin Rynkiewicz) Smetana and Mike Smetana; great-grandchildren, Kassidy Lois, and Kalani Rynkiewicz; sisters, Jean Heiligenthal and Judy Mangold. He was preceded in death by his brother Jim (Eileen) Smetana and brothers-in-law, Stan Heiligenthal and Ron Mangold.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4 until 6 p.m. at Schuette Daniels Funeral Home. Private inurnment will take place at a later date at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery.
For on-line condolences, please visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.