Robert Gene De Smidt

Robert Gene De Smidt, 85, of Cedar Grove went to his eternal home on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.

Bob was born to Eugene and Sadie (Vander Weele) De Smidt on July 13, 1939, in Sheboygan.

Following high school, he went on to graduate from Central College in Pella, Iowa, in 1961, majoring in economics and business administration.

Bob was united in marriage to Doris Veldhorst on Feb. 17, 1962, at First Reformed Church in Cedar Grove. Shortly after, he went on to serve his country in both the U.S. Army and Army Reserves.

Bob was employed at WH Brady Co. for 48 years. He truly put the customer first and developed many relationships through his sales efforts. His sales and training also entailed travel, which he enjoyed as well.

Bob loved traveling with Doris, especially on vacations with their family. Bob was an avid golfer and loved his motorcycles. His grandson Justin now enjoys his latest Harley. He had a passion for Campus Life, juvenile jail ministry and Words of Hope. He was very generous when it came to giving his time and resources in order to help others. Bob loved his church family at Open Door Bible Church in Port Washington and being a part of the ministry there.

Bob is survived by his children Jeffrey (Deanne) De Smidt, Anne Ten Pas and Jennifer De Smidt; grandchildren Justin De Smidt, Kelsi (fiance Zran) De Smidt, Jerod Ten Pas and Ashley (Christopher) Krueger; sisters-in-law Dorothy (Glenn) Jensema and Alyce Veldhorst; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Doris, parents, brother Ralph (Shirl) De Smidt and brothers-in-law Howard (Helen) Veldhorst and Wesley Veldhorst.

A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at Open Door Bible Church in Port Washington on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at 1 p.m.

Burial will take place at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may greet the family at the church from 10 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be written to Robert De Smidt, where they will be equally distributed to Words of Hope and Campus Life ministries.

For additional information and online condolences, please visit www.wenigfh.com.

The staff of Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg, (920) 564-2771, is serving the De Smidt family.