Harold W. “Smokey” Smith, 81, of Minong, Wisconsin passed away at his home with his family by his side on May 12, 2025.

Smokey was born on June 19, 1943 to parents of Harold E. “Nig” and Carol M. (Pierce) Smith. He married Sharon M. Coons on December 4, 1965 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Minong.

His love and support for his family always came first for Smokey. His wife, children, and grandchildren were his life. He enjoyed taking his family camping, boating, water skiing with other families/friends. He loved going out to the lake lot in the summers and spending time with Sharon and family. He enjoyed his rides around the lake and fishing with his wife and family, along with going on ATV/UTV rides. Smokey was an avid outdoorsman as he loved hunting, fishing, and earlier in life you may have even seen him on a motorcycle or even in a race car!

Smokey served our country in the United States National Guard and enlisted at age 17. After that he worked at the family farm, family business “Smitty’s Northstar and Cafe”, Town of Minong, and retired from Washburn County Forestry Department. After retirement he worked for Ericson Logging for many years, along with being Town Supervisor for the Town of Minong. Smokey truly enjoyed running heavy equipment and driving semi-truck throughout his years.

When Smokey wasn’t with his family or working his job, he was always out helping his community with support to the Fire Department and Ambulance. He was on the Minong Fire Department for 55 years, which 45 years he acted as Fire Chief, assistant chief for 7 years and firefighter before that. He was also very active with the Wisconsin DNR Fire Service. He has served on the councils of several firefighting organizations. In 1999, Smokey received “Firefighter of the Year” award by Wisconsin State Firefighters Association (WSFA).

Smokey was no stranger to volunteer activities outside the fire department. He has coached Pee Wee, Little League, Babe Ruth, and Girl’s softball along with being a Scout leader and a member of the Lions Club.

Smokey is survived by his son Todd (Debbie) Smith and daughter, Tracey (Bob) Tyman, his grandchildren Tyler Smith, Cole (Lauren Scharlau) Tyman, Qwynn (Logan Giere) Tyman, and Tessah Tyman, his siblings Karen Baker, Don Smith, Jody (Steve) Conoboy, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Sophie.

He was proceeded in death by his wife Sharon, his parents, sister Darlene, nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service at 10am, on Saturday May 24, 2025 at Greenwood Cemetery in Minong, WI. Following burial, there will be a Celebration of Life at 11 am to 2 pm at Minong Fire Hall.

In Lieu of flowers or monetary gifts, the family would appreciate donations to Regional Hospice - Hayward in Smokey’s name.

A special thanks to all who cared for Smokey; Essentia Health St. Mary’s, VA, Regional Hospice and all the well-wishers from the community.

Last Update: May 15, 2025 11:56 am CDT