Stephen A. Smart

Stephen “Steve” Smart, age 75, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 5.

Steve was born on March 29, 1950, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to John “Jack” and Helen Smart, and was raised in Waukesha, his family’s hometown. He graduated from Waukesha High School in 1968, where he met and began dating Laurie Oettinger, who would become his devoted wife of 53 years. Steve attended the University of Oshkosh and he and Laurie were married in 1972.

In 1972 Steve founded Waukesha Overhead Door, a successful local business that he owned and operated until 1996, when it became part of Consolidated Doors Incorporated. He continued his career there until retiring in 2020.

A dedicated public servant, Steve proudly served on the Waukesha Town Board for 14 years as a respected community leader. Known for his steady temperament Steve led with thoughtfulness, integrity and respect for others.

Steve was an avid reader who enjoyed crossword puzzles, cribbage, and following Wisconsin sports. In 1978, Steve and Laurie designed their home with the help of a builder who would become a lifelong friend. Over the years, Steve and Laurie spent countless hours gardening side by side, nurturing flowers and plants, establishing a bird sanctuary, and creating a home filled with beauty and care.

Steve was known for his dry wit, legendary “Dad” jokes and quick one-liners. His gentle humor endeared him to many, including the medical staff at Waukesha Memorial Hospital and the UW Health Cancer Center at ProHealth Care, who appreciated his warmth and spirit.

Steve was deeply loved and will be missed by his wife, Laurie (Oettinger) Smart; his son, Dave Smart; his brother, John (Holly) Smart; his sister, Sally Cherek; and his sister-in-law, Peg Oettinger. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Mary Black and Barb (Arch) Buth; his brother Bob Smart and Bob’s wife Ann; his parents-in-law Ted and Irene Oettinger; his brother-in-law Lee Oettinger; and his sister-in-law Jean Oettinger.

A celebration of Steve’s life will take place on Wednesday, January 14th at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 South Grand Avenue, Waukesha. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to noon with a service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s memory are appreciated and may be made to the Waukesha Service Club Family Assistance Fund, 1444 S. West Avenue, Unit A, Waukesha, WI 53189 or the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS).

Steve’s family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and support staff at UW Health Cancer Center at ProHealth, Waukesha Memorial Hospital and ProHealth Care Home Hospice as well as the Village of Waukesha Fire/EMS Department for their attentive treatment and care.