Daniel R. Smith

Daniel R. "Dan" Smith, age 88, of Green Bay, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023. He was born August 29, 1934 in Green Bay, WI, son of the late William H. and Hulda A. (Zirbel) Smith and was a graduate of Freedom High School, Class of 1952, later earning a Bachelor's Degree from UW-Whitewater.

Dan married Gwendolyn Spaude in June of 1954 and the couple was blessed with 3 children. He later married Ruth E. "Ruthie" Randall in December of 1976. They successfully blended their families, sharing 40 loving years together before Ruth passed away October 24, 2017.

Dan was CEO of Bellin Hospital from 1964-1987, during which he played an intricate role in starting many important programs, including the first Bellin Run in 1977. He played a key role in the expansion of Bellin Hospital into the Northeast Wisconsin Hospital Association. Dan was inspired to initiate the very first in-hospital Hospice program, The Carl Kouba Hospice Program. He and his late wife were also the founders of the WPPN (Wisconsin Preferred Provider Network), which gained over 700,000 enrollees. Dan founded the Northeastern Wisconsin Hospital Administrator Group and was a member of the Board of Wisconsin Hospitals Association. Dan also served as the first President of the Weslyan Hospital Association.

Dan was an avid golfer and member of the Oneida Golf Club. He had many fond memories at the family cottage and home on Shawano Lake. He was an enthusiastic fan and supporter of the UW-Green Bay Athletics. He was a man of strong faith and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Green Bay.

Dan is survived by his 3 children: Jane (Mike) Deuster, Jerry Smith and Steve (Robin) Smith; 3 step-daughters: Mary Beth (Tom) Barron, Laura (Dave) Sell and Carol (Ed) Shirk; 14 grandchildren: Kayla (Matt) Dorsey, Alex (Kailyn) Barron and Abby Barron, Connor and Derek Sell, Caitlin Shirk and Natalie (Andrew Jend) Shirk, Tarin, Lindsay (Scott Thill) and Casey Deuster, Joey (Miranda) Smith, Emily (Eli) Winslow, Michael (Farrah) Smith and Tony (Audrey Clark) Smith; 10 great-grandchildren and his sister-in-law, Mary Ellen (the late Jerry) Carey.

In addition to his parents and both of his wives, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Phillip Smith.

Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church (501 Howe St., Green Bay, WI), Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 9 to 10:30 AM. A funeral service will follow at 10:45 AM with Pastor David Kalas officiating. To view the livestream of the funeral service, please visit First United Methodist Church of Green Bay's Facebook page or by visiting www.FUMCGB.org. Burial will be in Appleton Highland Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to Bellin College in Dan's name are appreciated. Gifts can be made online at www.bellincollege.edu/support/online-donations, by calling (920)433-6654 or checks can be mailed to: Bellin College Advancement Department, 3201 Eaton Rd., Green Bay, WI 54311.

Dan's family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at New Perspectives, as well as to Unity Hospice, for their kindness, care and compassion. Thank you to Mary Ann Hershfield, coworker & friend, for her support during Dan's final days.