Frederick Smith Obituary

Smith, Frederick J. "Fred" Bay City, Michigan Following his courageous battle with cancer, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Fred Smith, age 92, passed away at his home on March 31, 2022. The eldest son of the late Vernice John and Dorothy Mae (Kothe) Smith, Fred was born April 18, 1929, in Saginaw, Michigan. He was an active member of All Saints Parish-St. Boniface Church where he served as an usher in the balcony for over 30 years. Fred retired in 1991 from GM Powertrain after 38 years of dedicated service. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the UAW Local 362. Fred loved life. He enjoyed ice fishing, deer hunting in the Upper Peninsula, planting trees, playing softball and volleyball, bowling, building, and painting unique birdhouses, walking the Mackinaw Bridge, traveling the world, reading the news, and making wine with his friends. Above all, Fred loved his family. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Of all his hobbies, supporting and cheering on his grandchildren at their many sporting events, concerts, plays, award ceremonies, and graduations was his favorite pastime. Fred is survived by his wife Theresia "Teri" Gjarmati with whom he shared 61 wonderful years of laughter and love. They were married February 11, 1961, at The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Sebewaing. Fred and Teri were blessed with two children, Kathi Smith-Nowlin and son-in-law, Michael Nowlin of Auburn; and Dr. F. Matthew Smith and his life partner, Libby Stallman of Traverse City; four grandchildren, Michael Nowlin of Florida, Alexandra Nowlin of Florida, Sidra Smith of Traverse City and Jagger Smith of Traverse City; sister-in-law, Kathy (Barry) Marshall of Frankenmuth; nieces and nephews, Charles (Sue) Smith of New Hampshire, Debbie (Jim) Pressler of Frankenmuth and Kevin (Amy) Marshall of Farmington Hills, and many great nieces and nephews, special friends and neighbors. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Charles "Chuck" Smith of New Hampshire, who passed away on March 24, 2022, and his nephew, Richard "Ricky" Smith of New Hampshire. The family would like to extend a special thank you and deep gratitude to Ascension-St. Mary's Hospital, including the doctors, nurses, and all staff; the incredibly kind hospice caregivers at Compassus, Fr. Jose Cabrera and Fr. Steve Fillion of All Saints Parish, friends, and neighbors, especially Mal and Lynne McCuen. The Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at All Saints Parish – St. Boniface Church. The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Jose Cabrera with Rite of Committal following at St. Patrick Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m at Gephart's Funeral Home in Bay City. The Vigil for the Deceased will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Fred will be taken to the church on Wednesday to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions be made to All Saints Parish – St. Boniface Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.gephartfuneralhome.com