Johannes Gerardus Willem Smit, 79, passed away peacefully at his son's home on Monday, December 4, 2017. He was born April 3, 1938 in Wormerveer, Netherlands to Gerrit and Geertruida (Over).
In 1967, Jan immigrated to the United States, living most of his life in Westfield until moving to Port Clinton, OH upon his wife's retirement, to live close to their children.
On August 2, 1969, he married Kathryn (Goth). They were married for 45 years until her death in 2014.
Jan took care of his small family farm and enjoyed visiting with people. He loved to whistle while working to the point the neighbor would get annoyed. You could always count on a good story from him, usually from his days in the Netherlands. He was an avid WWE fan and enjoyed playing Texas Hold 'Em.
He is survived by his children, Thomas (Christine) of Port Clinton, OH and Amy Gloeckner of Westerville, OH; sisters, Petronella Graas, Maartje (Bertus) Stouten, Anna, Theresia Leichel and Helena (J. Antonio) Gonzalez Roman. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Maurits and Gerrit; and sisters, Maria van der Lip, Marijtje Stor, Elisabeth Krap and Geertruida van Amsterdam.
Visitation will be Friday, December 8 from 3:00-8:00 p.m., with the Rosary being recited at 7 p.m. at Neidecker, LeVeck and Crosser Funeral Home, 1124 Fulton St., Port Clinton, OH. On Saturday, December 9, prayers will begin at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 Madison St., Port Clinton, OH, with Father John Missler officiating. Interment will follow at Catawba Island Cemetery.
Please join the family for a luncheon immediately following burial at his son's home, 119 E. 10th St., Port Clinton, OH 43452.
Memorial donations in memory of Jan may be made to The Port Clinton Fire Department, 1755 E. State Street, Port Clinton, OH 43452.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckerleveckcrosser.com.
Obituary from the Observer
