Bernard “Gronks” Smith Jr., 51, of Neopit, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, in Shawano. Bernard was born in Shawano on Jan. 4, 1967, the son of the late Bernard and Sharon (Madosh) Smith Sr. During school, Bernard grew up loving sports and set several school records. He worked as a police officer for the Menominee Tribal Police Department and later as a logging truck driver. Bernard’s greatest joys in life were raising his children and spending time with his nieces and nephews.
Bernard is survived by his children, Sharon Madosh, of Bonduel, Julien Wheelock, of Shawano, Payton Smith, of Shawano, Cole Smith, of Shawano and Bernard Smith III, of Shawano; his siblings, Mary Opsal, Joan (Chauncey) Webster Jr., Bobbi (Jerome) Caldwell, Monica (Tony Santana) Smith, Bridget Smith and Angela Smith; the mother of his children, Holly Marquette; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, including special niece Kayleigh.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Mercedes; his dad, Bernard Smith Sr.; his mom, Sharon (Madosh) Corn; and his grandparents.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Clifford and Romilda Madosh residence, N3487 State Highway 47 in Neopit, until the procession leaves for the church on Saturday.
Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.