Ernest F Smetana

ERNEST F. SMETANA “SKIP”—December 4, 1956 - April 21, 2026

Skip passed away on April 21, 2026, at his home with his loving wife by his side. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our Husband, Father, Papa, and Brother, who bravely fought against Frontotemporal Dementia.

Skip was one of those people you don’t forget; fun-loving, kind, generous, and genuinely a sweet soul. He was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps, a hardworking and successful businessman, and someone who spent his entire life building something meaningful so he could one day enjoy it. He earned that peace; he deserved that time, but dementia is a cruel and devastating disease. It slowly took pieces of him, and in the end, it robbed him of the life he worked hard to create. Watching that happen changes you; it changes how you see everything. We are so proud of him — his service, work ethic, and the life he built. I wish he had been given the chance to enjoy it fully.

Skip is survived by his wife, Kathy, daughters, Alicia Lynn, Amanda “Mandy” (Nick) Warhol, son Lawton Smetana (Melissa), Stepdaughter Stacy Partridge (Kent), stepson Eric Buchanan, ten grandchildren, Austin, Isaac, Madilynn, Abigail, Mason, Logan, Henry, Ryan, Ashley, and Katie, and many nieces and nephews. His close companions, Tinker and Belle.

Thank you all for your support, especially my sister Sandra Williams, who was always there for us. I’m grateful for her care and also appreciate St. Croix Hospice.

Skip requested no funeral upon diagnosis and to be buried with his father. A private graveside ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery will be scheduled later.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at swedberg-taylor.com.