David B. Smith

On December 23, 2024, we lost a true renaissance man, David B. Smith. Dave passed away peacefully after strokes, dementia, and a traumatic brain injury finally caught up with him. An avid reader of all subjects and genres, there was no topic Dave couldn’t talk about and no person – no matter the age – that he couldn’t talk to. This talent served him well as his search for his dream job took many twists and turns: a bachelor’s degree and two masters degrees; employment with county, state, and federal agencies; and 2 stints in North Dakota before settling down in Marshfield. Hired as the school district’s first social worker (affectionally known to the elementary students for his puppet, Duso the Dolphin) Dave then became the assistant principal for the “new” Grant School, and finally his dream job – teaching social studies courses to high school students, especially criminal justice and economics. Most importantly to him, he became the head varsity boys tennis coach. Dave put his travels and employment experiences to good use mesmerizing students with true renditions of interactions with clients as both a state and federal probation officer. He made the book pages come alive. His ready smile, infectious laughter, sense of humor, and twinkle in his eye made him a favorite of many of his students.

Born on January 3, 1951, in Ashland, WI, Dave was the only child of Basil and Margaret (Wallender) Smith. Football, sailing and downhill skiing were favorite activities for Dave, but tennis was by far the biggest part of Dave’s life in Ashland, especially promoting and teaching it to all age groups. This continued throughout his life. The star tennis player for Ashland High School, Dave early on strung and sold rackets to individuals of all ages, then becoming their teacher, advocate, and mentor in life. Dave brought that same enthusiasm to Marshfield, achieving his 100th WIAA Boys Tennis win in April 2003. He was a United States Professional Tennis Association Professional Level 1 (USPTA) for over 45 years, a certified United States Racket Stringers Association member for over 30 years. Many summers were filled with giving lessons, mostly on his private tennis court – another dream come true. He stated many times his greatest achievement in tennis was teaching his son, Chris, the love of the game, using it as a motivating factor in Chris overcoming cancer, teaching him that infamous kick serve, and coaching him for 4 years of high school tennis, culminating in a trip to the State tournament in doubles.

In addition to watching and photographing trains, and reading and collecting books, he collected pens, pipes, embossed beer bottles, beer mugs, Steuben glass, John Deere tractors, and he closely followed the stock market. He was a member of Marshfield Elks Lodge #665, the Masonic Ancient Landmark Lodge #0210 in Ashland, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and Aad Shriners of Duluth.

Dave is survived by his wife, Charlotte, whom he married on June 10, 1978; his son, Chris; and dog, Elf. Also, brothers-in-law, Kenneth, Gary, and Norman (Regina) Pollard; sister-in-law, Maxine Pollard; several nieces and nephews; and cousins. Dave is predeceased by his parents; parents-in-law, Harold B. and Genevieve E. Pollard; daughter-in-law, Jenny Smith; brothers-in-law, Ronald and Donald Pollard; sisters-in-law, Megan, Carol and Cindy Pollard; and special dog, Larry.

As per his wishes, there will be no services. A celebration of life is being planned for the summer of 2025 at Boson Tennis Courts. Contributions to Tennis Now through the Marshfield Area Community Foundation in Dave’s name would be greatly appreciated.

Rest in peace Oracle of Marshfield. You are loved and admired by many.

The Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation Center assisted the family.