Michael Raymond Smith, 65, died January 17, 2014. He is the son of Lawrence and Florence Smith and was born on August 13, 1948 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Mike grew up in Murdock, Nebraska with his parents and 4 siblings, Angela, Mark, Matt and Laurie. During his younger years he was involved in baseball, football, basketball, track, and band. He graduated from Murdock high school in 1966 and spent one year at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Mike began working full-time at Ash Grove Cement Plant in Louisville, Nebraska in 1969. He married Patricia Dorr on January 16, 1970. They lived in Elmwood and had three children, Kelli, James, and Brett. While living in Elmwood, Mike served as a village board member, mayor, and volunteer fireman. He was active in town team basketball and softball and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.


Mike and Janet Funkhouser were married on September 15, 1979. They lived in Louisville and had three children, Teri, Ryan and Kristen. Mike was actively involved in his daughter's softball league as an assistant coach for many years. He enjoyed reading, gardening, listening to music, and following his favorite sports teams. Mike's proudest accomplishments were his marriage to wife, Jan, of 34 years, his six children and their families, and five grandchildren.


Mike served as a union officer for over 25 years. He retired from Ash Grove Cement Plant in August of 2010 after 41 years of service and had been living in Cedar Creek, Ne where he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. During Mike's lifetime he has been many things to many people, including Son, Grandson, Brother, Cousin, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Friend, Student, Athlete, Teammate, Coach, Laborer, Repairman, Heavy Equipment Operator, Locomotive Operator, Gardener, Mayor, Board Member, Fireman, Cashier, Union Brother, Union Secretary and Union President. He will be missed.

Mike is survived by his wife, Janet Smith; his children, Teri Price and Scott Knipp, Kelli Thompson, James and Rita Smith, Brett and Elaine Smith, Ryan Smith and Kristen Smith; grandchildren, Colin, Kieran, Madeline, Nolan and Sydney; parents, Lawrence and Florence Smith; brothers Mark & Cheryl Smith, Matt Smith; sisters Angela and Dave Friesell, and Laurie and Bill Klosterboer; Mother-In-Law, Jackie Funkhouser; many nieces and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his grandparents, Lawrence and Hazel Smith; Father-In-Law, Ed Funkhouser; Nephew, David Funkhouser.


Funeral service will be Wednesday, January 22, 2014, at 10:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church, 222 Walnut Street, Louisville, NE, with burial at Glendale Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Family to be decided at a later date.

VISITATION Tuesday, January 21, 2014, from 1:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M., with the family greeting friends at the Funeral home from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.