Obituaries

Steven Edward Smith, 61, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully at Sacred Heart Hospital on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, with his two daughters, Erin and Eliza, and his mother, Agnes at his side.
Steven fought a long and courageous battle with myelofibrosis, a rare incurable blood disorder.
Steve "Snuffy" was born on November 25, 1949, in Eau Claire, the son of William and Agnes (Borton) Smith. Steve attended Longfellow Grade School and graduated from North High School in 1968. He attended UWEC and Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, graduating in 1973. Steve apprenticed as a Funeral Director and Embalmer under his dad, William D. Smith. Steve was a member of First Lutheran Church, baptized and confirmed there and was married to Teri Johnson in 1987.
Steve enjoyed skiing and traveling out West, and traveling with his daughters to California. He was a gun collector and enjoyed target practice and going to gun and rifle expos. He loved living in his log cabin in the pines with eagles overhead, deer, fox, bats, flying squirrels and the occasional bear being spotted on or near his cabin.
Steve belonged to the Noon Rotary Club of Eau Claire, Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce, National Funeral Director Association, and Cremation Association of North America. Steve also was a past president of the Chippewa-St. Croix Funeral Directors Association. Steve was made a 32nd degree Mason on November 1, 1974 and was a lifetime member of the Masonic Sanctuary Lodge 347 of the Valley of Eau Claire. He was a member of Zor Shriners of Madison since 1974 and a courtesy member of the Chippewa Shrine Club.
Steve is survived by his two beloved daughters, Erin Linda Smith of Eau Claire and Eliza Opal Smith of Fall Creek; his mother, Agnes of Eau Claire; and many relatives on both sides of the family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bill in 2002; and his dear sister, Linda Louise in 1981; his grandparents, Franklin and Olive Smith and Edward and Anna Marie Borton; many uncles; aunts; cousins on both sides of the family.
Thanks to Pastor Scott Miller and Pastor Lowell Halvorson for their prayers, support and kindness to Steve. Steve had many loyal friends, who were constant visitors and supporters of him while he was ill. He loved them all and said how thankful and fortunate he was to have them. They grew up together. His cousin Bob was a very special person and they were like brothers to each other. They all helped him "weather the storm." God bless them all.
He called the doctors and nurses at Sacred Heart Hospital his "second family" and was very thankful for their expert care. Dr. DelMastro, head of oncology, took very good care of Steve.
The funeral service for Steve will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2011 at First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford, Eau Claire with Pastor Scott Miller officiating.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 21, 2011 and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Masonic services will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire.
Memorials would be appreciated given to the donor's choice in Steve's name.