David "Dave" E. Smythe,83, of Browntown, Wisconsin departed the earthly realm on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at the Smythe estate (his home). He enjoyed his last cigarette earlier that day. David was born on January 28, 1939, to Eben and Hilda (Clare) Smythe in Adrian, Michigan.

David's academic accomplishments were well established. He attended the Howe Military school from 8 ^th grade until High School Graduation. Dave was an Eagle Scout. He proceeded to Illinois State College specializing in the 2-year Architectural Program which launched his storied and outstanding professional career.

He began working with Allis Chalmers of Chicago where he was a production foreman. Like many others, in 1964 he was drafted. He began his military career with the Air Force where he was transferred to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas.  His role was an outliner/antennae/ radio and maintenance repairman. He served six active years for our country and many more with the Air National Guard of Illinois as a reservist. He also served Chicago as a Fireman and an EMT.

After his honorable discharge, David began working at Mogen David wines in Chicago. He developed and set up production lines and expanded the company into a 7-acre campus.

A few years later, David was recruited to Sweetheart Cup Company where, among other inventions and manufacturing advancements, David invented the polypropylene straw that McDonalds uses every day for every drink. To Dave's humble personality, it was just another day at work.

Through a Chicago friend/neighbor, he was lured to Mitek Corporation in Winslow where he became the plant manager and helped take the company from a small speaker manufacturer to an international multi-function sound corporation. David moved to Winslow then Browntown and stayed with Mitek until retirement.

It was also in Winslow that he met the love of his life, Miss Bonnie. They worked together for many years until one day Bonnie grew weary of Dave's perfectionist ways and departed with a few choice words to Dave. A few months later, on November 1, 1996, they married at The Smythe Estate. They stayed true to their vows for better or worse until his last breath. Bystanders will tell you their relationship has been both inspiring and entertaining.

David lived life to the fullest and enjoyed each moment. Interesting highlights are when Dave and Pete DiPalo drove, yes drove to Cuba together. While they were enjoying the country, Dave went outside the hotel to have a cigarette and was joined by none other than President Fidel Castro. They enjoyed the bench, cigarettes, and an hour-long conversation where Fidel "spoke in perfect English".

Dave felt that education and knowledge were more important than sports, yet he would yield to events that involved family members. And if Bonnie wanted to watch football, he would typically yield the remote.

He loved driving fast and had the opportunity to assist IndyCar Team Playa Del Racing at many events, including 4 Indy 500's. In his free time Dave enjoyed playing cards, going to supper clubs (especially Beaches and Norseman's).

When he was younger, Dave used to sneak into blues and jazz clubs in Chicago. In these legendary and long-gone historic clubs is where he developed his love for music. Dave saw live performances of many of the greats. He loved Genesis, Chicago, Herp Alpert, and Dave Brubeck.

Throughout his life he enjoyed taking "road trips". Dave was always up for a weekend get-away and the destinations were endless. He was a true Aquarius.

He also loved riding his snowmobile, and boating. He looked forward to taking motorcycle trips with his best friend Brad (Linda) Subler. They travelled the country many times and most of those stories cannot be printed here.

Dave was always proud of his home and lawn. He loved The Smythe estate.  He loved having people over and hosted several parties for friends, family, and employees at his home. One of his favorites was the Hurricane parties where he would get hurricane mix from Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans. In true Dave style, each one was made with perfectly crushed ice and served in an authentic Hurricane Glass.

Dave was a great friend to all and always offered a drink or smoke to those who came across his path. He was a fantastic teacher, adventurer, and friend.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie of Browntown, WI; 3 children- Karl (Terri) Davis of Lebanon, IN, Patti (Tom) Sedletzeck of Fort Meyers, FL and Wendy (Dale) Broge of Orangeville, IL; grandchildren- Cheyenne Switzer, Sierra Switzer , Christopher Davis, Kyle Broge and Jacob (Nicole) Broge; great-grandchildren- Michael, Cecilia and Ava; 1 sister- Brenda Velasquez of Atlanta, GA; special nephew- Peter Velasquez of Atlanta, GA; Special Friends- Susan (Donny Fox) Schafer , Grace Fox, Brad (Linda) Subler, Don (Mary Pat) Meyers, Jeff Meyer, and numerous other family members and friends. He lived a great life and was loved by many.

He is preceded in death by his parents, son-Scott Viel and grandson- Ryan Switzer.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, April 15, 2022, at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A memorial has been established in his name.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com