Stuart Smith

Stuart Smith, 71, of Merrill died due to a heart condition on Monday, April 6th 2009. He was born October 27, 1937 in Illinois to Leonard and Hazel (Montooth) Smith and grew up on a small family farm in Bradford, IL. He married Arline Essenberg on May 14, 1960 in Chicago, IL. She survives.

Stuart graduated from the University of Illinois. He was a very well known and respected businessman in Merrill and started, owned and operated both Wood Chip Corporation of America and Interstate Trucking Corporation.

Stuart is survived by his wife, Arline of Merrill; his mother, Hazel Smith of Bradford, IL; 6 children, Damaris Smith of Milwaukee, Douglas (Renee) Smith of Merrill, Darese Smith of Merrill, David (Dennice) Smith of Great Falls, MT, Deanne (Christopher) Renner of Milwaukee, and Derek (fiancee, Chaerim) Smith of Alexandria, VA; 15 grandchildren; a sister, A. Eileen Smith of Bradford, IL; a brother, Paul (Judy) Smith of Ashville, AL; and an aunt, Martha Montooth of Peoria, IL.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 4:00 PM at Bible Presbyterian Church in Merrill. The Rev. Robert Smallman will officiate. Friends may call on Thursday, April 9, 2009 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Bible Presbyterian Church and again on Saturday from 2:00 PM until time of services. Burial will be at the Elmira Cemetery in Elmira, IL. The Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. On-line tributes may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .