Obituary for Scott Dean Smith

Scott was born on March 27th, 1966, in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Lawrence Joseph Smith and Marlene Elizabeth Smith (maiden name McHenry, now Howard after second marriage). He grew up on French Island and attended Logan High School, graduating in 1984. Afterward, he furthered his education at Western Wisconsin Technical College, attaining an associate degree in Electronic Servicing. Scott had several jobs in his younger years, including at Hardee’s, where he met Kim Simon. Scott and Kim were married on October 6th, 1990, in La Crosse, and had three children, Shane, Kassidy, and Branden. They later divorced in 2011.

Throughout the years, Scott’s primary work revolved around landscaping. He worked many years for Winther Land Design and was proud of his work when they got the contract for landscaping all McDonald’s locations in the surrounding area. He then started his own business, La Crosse Lawn & Garden, which he ran for several years. Afterwards, he worked for several small companies before landing at Gorman & Company, where he had been responsible for the landscaping of several large apartment complexes for the last seven years. He was extremely hardworking and took significant pride in the various achievements throughout his career.

Scott had a great love of the outdoors and could often be found out in his garden or in the woods that were his backyard. He was an avid hunter and fisherman for many years, and many of his memories from his younger years involved spending time with friends on the Mississippi River. He made several trips out west throughout his life to see the ocean, mountains, and beautiful landscapes, and often mentioned he would have loved to live out there with no other people around - just him and nature. He was also an enthusiastic Wisconsin sports fan, closely following the Badgers, Brewers, and most importantly, the Green Bay Packers. Almost nothing made him happier than having a burger, a beer, and watching a Packer game. He often said he tolerated the rest of the year, but August was the absolute best month because it meant beautiful weather and the start of the football season.

Scott was passionate about his children and their success and was always happy to hear about their life and achievements. He was extremely proud that all three graduated from college, and thrilled that his two younger children continued to earn their master’s degrees. He knew the value of education and worked hard to help provide an environment that meant his kids could have opportunities he didn’t. Many of his future plans involved vacationing with his kids.

Scott is survived by his three children, Shane of La Crosse, Kassidy of Seattle, WA, and Branden of Milwaukee; his mother, Marlene Howard of Onalaska; his father, Lawrence Smith and step-mother, Maree Smith of Onalaska; his sister, Kari Smith; brother, Colin (Shelby Henkelman) Smith; step-sister, Vicki (John) Wilson; step-brother, Kelly Howard; 3 nephews, Ryan, Richard, and Alex; one niece, Mabel Smith; one step-nephew, Josh Wilson; one step-niece, Kelsey Sells; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his faithful canine companion, Duke.

He was preceded in death by his step-father, William Howard and one step-brother, Rick Howard.

There will be a private Celebration of Life held by his family and close friends. If you wish to do something in Scott’s memory, please consider planting a tree, either on your own or through shop.alivingtribute.org.

Online condolences may be offered at this site.