Dennis J. “Merv” Smith, age 58 of Durand, died Friday, December 12, 2014 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dennis was born on October 4, 1956 in Durand. He was the son of Merville and Dorothy (Seyffer) Smith. He grew up and lived in the Durand area all of his life. He graduated from Durand High School in 1974. After high school, Dennis worked in the insurance business with his father and continued in that business for 36 years. Dennis married Brenda Harmon on July 10, 1976 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Eau Galle.

Dennis enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He liked to play cards, shooting pool, going camping and being outside. Dennis served on the Durand School Board for many years.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 38 years, Brenda, four sons; Dennis “Bubba” of Durand, Chad “Chico” (Mandi) of Eau Galle, Matt (Fiancé Ashlee Skrede) of Mondovi and Kyle “Cub” of Durand, five grandchildren; Gavin, AJ, Laila, Zoie and Bella, two brothers; Herb of Durand and Bill of Florida, two sisters; Peggy (Jerry) Johnson of Wilson and Patty (Jon) Pfeilsticker of Altoona, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother; John and sister-in-law; Mary Smith.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4-7 PM Wednesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dennis’ name to a local charity of your choice.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Dick & Doshie Grey December 31, 2014, at 1:57pm

   Brenda & Family,

   We were not aware that Dennis was ill or had died until today 12/31. Dennis was our insurance agent for many years when we were in business in Durand. He was among the best we have know. We always enjoyed visiting with him. So Sad to see him die at such a young age. Our sympathy to you and the Family.

2. Patti Blount December 18, 2014, at 9:31am

   I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Dennis. Sympathy to everyone in the family.

3. lyla endle December 17, 2014, at 1:57pm

   So sorry for your loss Brenda and family! May God comfort you in your sorrow! Our sympathies

4. Paula Smith December 17, 2014, at 11:21am

   Dennis and family so sorry to hear about your dad he seemed like a good man I'll keep you all in my prayers

5. pat simpson December 17, 2014, at 10:48am

   My thoughts and prayers are with you all.we have to find a cure for cancer.donating to st judes in
   his memory

6. Marcia Cox December 16, 2014, at 7:46pm

   Brenda & family
   Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your memories keep you strong in the days ahead.
   Mitch & Marcia Cox

7. Junebug, Kate & Lawson Hartung December 16, 2014, at 4:27pm

   We are so sorry for your family's loss! Merv was a fantastic man who will be missed!

8. ellen sabelko December 15, 2014, at 5:46pm

   To all the surviving "Smith Kids"... Bill,Herbie,Patty, and Peggy,

   My deepest sympathies on the loss of still another of your brothers.
   Since the passing of my own much-loved brother, Mike, I know all too well the pain of losing a sibling.

   This "Simpson Kid" is holding you all gently in my thoughts.

   Ellen Sabelko

9. Jean Fredrickson December 15, 2014, at 5:03pm

   My prayers are with you and your familym

10. pat petrie / kurth December 14, 2014, at 6:17pm

    I wish to offer my sadness to the family of Dennis Smith. He was as a fine man. I hope you enjoy sharing all the wonderful memories and hold them close in your hearts.

11. Jeff Krisik December 14, 2014, at 4:22pm

    Very sorry to hear about the loss of Dennis... Many thoughts to the family at this time.

12. Al Sheahan December 13, 2014, at 2:15pm

    Sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our prayers.

13. Tiffany Noll (Jacks) December 13, 2014, at 12:40pm

    So sorry to hear. Dennis was a good man. God bless you all and grant you peace as you heal.

14. Nick I brantner December 13, 2014, at 12:24pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Such a great man.

15. Mary Beth jaeger December 13, 2014, at 12:21pm

    My deepest sympathies for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dennis and his family and friends. God bless.

16. Joe and Dani Holden December 13, 2014, at 11:19am

    We are so sorry for your family's loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers!

17. Jill Radle December 13, 2014, at 9:20am

    So very sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in our prayers.

18. Diane Mack December 13, 2014, at 7:30am

    We are so sorry for you and your family Brenday. It has been a long battle, but know Merv is now at peace and hope the rest of you can also be in your hearts. Much love to you all, stay strong and remember all the good times. Is ironic that now we live next to your old house, I think of you every day when I look out the window.

19. Sandy Andress December 13, 2014, at 7:28am

    So very sorry, my thoughts are with you all.

20. Greg and Laurie Brantner December 13, 2014, at 6:30am

    Our sympathy to family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

21. Kim Jacks December 12, 2014, at 10:48pm

    So sorry for your loss. Dennis was a very nice man. I consider myself lucky to have worked with him for so many years. He will be missed.

22. Dave and Luanne December 12, 2014, at 9:49pm

    Goodbye Merv you will always be in our hearts..and all our sympathy to the family.

23. Charlene (Lecheler) Henderson December 12, 2014, at 9:12pm

    My deepest sympathy . You are in my thoughts and prays.

24. Cheryl Seyffer December 12, 2014, at 8:34pm

    So sad. We all loved him.

25. Rod and Pat Hurlburt December 12, 2014, at 4:59pm

    Rod and I have known The Smith Family for many years - We are saddened to hear of Denny passing. He was a friend of my younger brother, Buddy also. Blessings and Prayers be with each of you at this sad time. Will be thinking of you......Keri

26. Walter Hovland December 12, 2014, at 3:42pm

    So Sorry for your loss. My prayers n thoughts are with all of you!!

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