David Charles Smith

David Charles Smith, surrounded by his family, passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2025, following a brief battle with colon cancer. He was 81.

Born on July 31, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, David was the son of the late Fredric and Helen (Demling) Smith. He grew up in Hampshire, IL, and graduated from Hampshire High School in 1961. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stout in 1965, the same year he married the love of his life, Cheryl (Block) Smith.

David began his teaching career in Indianapolis, IN, at North Central High School (1965–1968), and later at Beloit Memorial High School (1968–1970). In 1971, he completed his Master’s degree at UW-Stout, and he and Cheri settled in Sheboygan, WI, where they would spend the rest of their lives together. David taught graphic arts and photography at North High School before earning a second master’s degree in counseling from UW–Milwaukee in 1996. He served as a guidance counselor at North High until his retirement in 2003.

An avid cyclist, David’s love for biking led to decades of passionate advocacy. Deeply committed to enhancing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, he served on the Sheboygan Metropolitan Planning Commission and the NoMo Advisory Committee. In 2010, he helped launch Rebike, which has since distributed more than 2,000 refurbished bicycles to those in need. Beyond biking, David generously gave his time to numerous causes. He volunteered with St. Luke’s United Methodist Church on twelve service trips with the Appalachian Service Project and was honored in 2016 with the Sheboygan County Citizen Leadership Award. He also gave back through volunteer work at Kohler-Andrae State Park, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and the Cedar Grove Ornithological Research Station.

David is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Chad) Warner and Anne-Louise (Jason) Plesh; his beloved grandchildren, Nathan, Maggie, Sam, and Lucas; his nephew Fred (Ella) Smith; extended family; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 57 years, Cheri, his brother Fredric Smith, and his sister Virginia Patten.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Meriter Hospital, the UW Carbone Cancer Center, and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their compassionate care. They are also deeply grateful to the many friends who supported David throughout his life and during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in David’s name to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice or the Sheboygan County Food Bank. A celebration of David’s life will be held in Sheboygan in the coming months.