Annemarie Helene Smith

Annemarie Smith, age 79, passed away Monday morning, Jan 15th, 2007, at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh. Annemarie was born Dec 10th, 1927 in Leipzig, Germany, the daughter of Karl & Maria (Haase) Todt. On November 6, 1954, she married Willard Smith, an American civilian working for the Dept. of Defense in Stuttgart, Germany. The couple then moved to the States. Annemarie was a determined, highly intelligent woman. She took a keen interest in political affairs, was an avid bridge and cribbage player, and derived particular enjoyment from classical music, languages, and memorizing poetry. In addition to her native German, she was fluent in English and French and started learning Latin in her late 60s. She memorized and could recite over 100 poems (some lengthy epics!), as well as the classic French book, The Little Prince. In the late 1960s, Annemarie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and was given a life expectancy of 5-10 years. She consistently defied medical predictions over the years, surviving many life-threatening conditions until her final battle with cancer. Her last 14 years were spent at Bethel Lutheran Homes in Oshkosh, where she made several lasting friendships among the staff. The family extends its sincere thanks to Bethel Homes for their support and care for Annemarie over the years, as well as to the nursing staff at Mercy Medical Center, several of whom remembered Annemarie from her various visits over the years. Annemarie is survived by her husband, Willard; her three children, Christine Smith, of Oshkosh, Stefan (Shu Li) Smith of La Crosse, WI, and Karla Smith of Oshkosh; her grandchildren Andrew Li Smith and Benjamin Li Smith of La Crosse, WI; her sister Elfriede Todt Schooth of Germany; her brother Ernst Todt of Germany; her half-brother Michael (Johanna) Todt of Germany, and many German nephews, nieces, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her sister Maria Todt. A memorial service for Annemarie will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2007, at 3pm at the Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - westside with Reverend David Rumboldt officiating. Visitation for friends and relatives will begin at 2:00 pm. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery. A memorial has been established to Wisconsin Public Radio or may be given to the charity of your choice.

Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Saturday, January 20, 2007
2:00 PM



Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Saturday, January 20, 2007
3:00 PM