Curtis Smedema

Curtis L. Smedema, age 99, of Waupun, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026.  

Curtis was born on December 28, 1926, in Randolph, Wisconsin, the son of John and Frances (Huizenga) Smedema. He attended Randolph schools. On December 3, 1947, he was united in marriage to his wife, Jessie Vande Kolk in Waupun. Curtis proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He farmed for 35 years and drove bus for the Randolph School District for 20 years. In 1983, Curtis and Jessie moved to Waupun. They enjoyed spending winters in Florida, as well as camping, snowmobiling, and riding mopeds together. Curtis was a member of Trinity Church in Waupun.

Curtis is survived by his wife of 78 years, Jessie Smedema of Waupun; his children, Philip (Sue) Smedema of Green Bay, Cindy (Jay) Abel of Beaver Dam, and Ginger (Tom) Trapp of Arvada, Colorado; 11 grandchildren, Stephanie, Natalie, Krista, Amy, Jennifer, Christopher, Jamie, Timothy, Kacie, Bailie, and Derrick; 23 great-grandchildren; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Smedema; two brothers, Ben Smedema and George Smedema; two sisters, Beatrice Wiersma and Annabel DeVries; brothers-in-law, Bernard and Garrett Vande Kolk; sister-in-law, Gloria Quam; and other relatives.

Visitation for Curtis will be held at Werner Harmsen Funeral Home, 201 E. Jefferson St, Waupun on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bryant Brozik officiating.  Burial will take place at Forest Mound Cemetery.