Elaine C. Smith, 92, of Hazel Green, WI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Stonehill Health Center in Dubuque, IA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 29, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Hazel Green, WI, with Fr. Peter Auer officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Francis de Sales Church Cemetery in Hazel Green, WI. Family and friends may call on Wednesday, August 28, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI; and on Thursday, August 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home. Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI, is serving the family.

Elaine was born on July 17, 1932, to Justin and Alberta (Rolling) Levens in Galena, IL. She attended Green Valley Grade School and Galena High School, graduating in 1950. Following graduation, she moved to Dubuque and worked as a receptionist at Medical Associates. Elaine met her future husband, Earl Smith, at Melody Mill dancehall. They were married at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Galena on a snowy day, February 19, 1952. Elaine and Earl's farming career began in Iowa, near the New Melleray Monastery. In 1963, they moved to Hazel Green and established Double EE Farm. Elaine enjoyed being a mother to her six children and being a homemaker.  She and Earl were lifelong farming partners, working side by side.  Elaine was an animal lover, and many farm animals, large and small, became pets; especially cats.

Elaine and Earl enjoyed socializing and dancing (including square dancing) with neighbors and friends at local supper clubs and dance halls. St. Francis de Sales Parish was an integral part of Elaine's life, where she was involved in worship, teaching religion, serving as president of the CCW, being a member of the parish council, chairing the Fall Festival, and coordinating funeral dinners for many years. Most of all, Elaine cherished time spent with her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Elaine is survived by her six children: Nancy Koerperick of Hazel Green, WI, Max (Debra Lawrence) Smith of Dubuque, IA, Michele (Tim) Droessler of Hazel Green, WI, Tammi (Steve) Day of Eagle, WI, Andy (DeeDee) Smith, and Sam (Karen) Smith, both of Hazel Green, WI; 16 grandchildren; Becky (Pat) Naderman, Laurie (Brett) Runde, Jeanna (Matt) McBain, Krista (Eric) Thompson, Riley Smith, Marah (Eric) Odgers, Michael (Rachel) Droessler, Nick (Heather) Droessler, Marissa (Kane) Hoffmann, Natalie (Dan) Baertschy, Justin (Renee) Day, Rachel (Teke) Heinschel, Sarah (Sam Konen) Day, Josh (Alex) Smith, Alexandra (Brendan) Carr, and Alayna Smith; 33 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings; Ronny Levens of Galena, IL, JoAnn Hubbard of Florida, Grace Bins of Texas, John (Linda) Levens of California, and Tom (Barb) Levens of Belvidere, IL; 5 sisters-in-law: Doris Glick of Galena, IL, Mary Smith of Graf, IA, Darlene Smith of Arizona, Mary Smith of Key West, IA, and Mary Reuter of Dubuque, IA; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of almost 60 years, Earl (2011); a son-in-law, Ray Koerperick Jr. (1994); a brother, Dan Levens; a brother-in-law, Frank Bins; a sister-in-law, Mary Levens; and 3 nephews, John Hubbard, Jeremy Levens and Randy Levens.

In lieu of plants and flowers, an Elaine C. Smith Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mercy Medical Center, Stonehill Health Center, Hospice of Dubuque and Father Peter Auer for the excellent care and compassion shown to Elaine and her family.

Memorials may be mailed to:

Haudenshield Funeral Home
c/o: Elaine Smith Family
P.O. BOX 825
Cuba City, WI 53807