(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Herbert J Smet of Pleasant Prairie passed away July 28, 2026 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Herbert was born to Carl and Viola (Gengler) Smet on September 16, 1940 at his grandparents farm in Luxemburg, Wisconsin.
Herb enjoyed chatting about the Green Bay Packer’s, John Deere tractors, farming, roofing, and income taxes.
Herbert grew up working on neighboring farms and developed a love of the land and John Deere tractors. He tried his hand at motorcycling racing in his late teens and early twenties. He graduated from Kewaunee Highschool in 1959 where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America.
Shortly after graduation he relocated to Kenosha Wisconsin to work for American Motors. He started his career working on the line and advanced to the accounting department after completing a correspondence course, highlighting his love of numbers, In 1969, during changeover he started roofing. In 1971 he decided to commit to his love of working outdoors and started HJ Smet and Son Roofing retiring in 2003. In 1973. he completed the H&R Block tax preparation course and completed tax returns until 2023.
Herbert had an extensive collection of 1/16 scale John Deere tractors and enjoyed attending the National Farm Toy show. He had a passion for playing checkers and would challenge any willing participant to a match. He always carried his handheld game with him.
His love of the Packers included attending the original Ice Bowl and the rematch. After retirement he enjoyed taking care of his yard which of course included his John Deere riding lawnmower.
In 1963 he married the love of his life Carol Miller on May 4 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Algoma, Wisconsin. Herb and Carol went on to have two children, Laurrie Stein (Michael) and Scott (Laurie Stanek) Smet.
He is survived by his loving wife, two children, their spouses, six grandchildren: Christopher Stein (Sarah Richow), Dr. Ellyn Harris (Dr. Sean Peck), Joseph Stein, Jessica Smet, Ryan (Carly Brown) Smet, Tony (Emily Marquez) Smet, and four great grandchildren: Ben Smet-Cooper, Emmett Smet, Beau Smet and Lucas Stein.
He is also survived by his six siblings and six in-laws. Roger (Faye) Smet, Patricia (Patrick deceased) Nellis, Bonita (Tom) Prucha, Mark (Kay) Smet, Josephine Decker, Carolyn Martin-Johnson (partner Michael Crabb), Audrey (Myron deceased) Renier, Diana Jonet, Karen Jick (Roger Pettit), Larry Miller, Patricia (Jon) Christensen, Cyndi (Kevin) Haberland.
The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses at Aurora Cancer Center and hospital for their exceptional care. We would also like to thank Hospice Alliance of Kenosha for their support.
A Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 16th at 11:00am at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Kenosha. Visitation at the church will begin at 9:30am. A celebration of his life and birthday will be held at Casa Capri at 12:30pm.
In leu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
He was a farmer at heart that will be deeply missed by all who knew him as well as his infamous colloquialisms.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street Kenosha WI 53142
262-653-0667
www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Neil Burmeister says:
I lost touch with Herbie when he moved to Kenosha. Knew Herbie and the rest of his brothers and sisters and his mom and Dad. Sounds like you had an exciting life. Condolances to the whole family. Neil and RoseMary Burmeister
William & Annette Jahnke says:
Herb started doing my taxes in 1974, and continued every year for over 40 years. I always enjoyed our get-togethers as it was taxes and a non-stop conversation on all sorts of topics. I will remember him fondly and miss him. Our condolences to Carol and the family.
Bob Ludwig says:
Condolences to the Smet Family. Always enjoyed talking with Herb about taxes and other things. He will be missed. God Bless.
D.J. and Pat Dolan says:
We would like to send our condolences to the entire Smet family, although we only know Scott, Laurie, and their family. Your dad sounds like he was an interesting man.