Jack Lester Smith

Kenosha – Jack Lester Smith; age 88; passed away at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha on Friday, February 6, 2015.

Jack was born in Salem, WI on July 1, 1926 to the late Lester and Leona (nee: Hartnell) Smith. A graduate of Wilmot High School, he proudly served our Country with the United States Marine Corps in WWII, mainly in Japan and China as a machine gun crewman. Among other decorations, Jack was awarded the Purple Heart when wounded in action on May 10, 1945.
In the early 1950’s, Jack enjoyed dancing at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio where he met the love of his life, Joel Ellen (nee: Martin). They fell in love and were married at the Congregational Church in Kenosha on March 26, 1955. As it was the mutual passion for dancing that brought them together, Jack and Joel Ellen founded and operated “EZ Dance Studios” in Racine, Kenosha & Waukegan – teaching the art of dance to thousands of people throughout our community.

In addition to the dance studio, Jack was employed by the Wayne Hummer Financial Advisors and by JI Case Company – from where he retired as a production control supervisor. Jack enjoyed reading – especially business journals and stock market reports; singing and playing the accordion; had a great appreciation for Lake Michigan; and always looked forward to playing Checkers with his cherished grandchildren. Above all, Jack loved being in the surroundings of his entire family.

Surviving are his loving dance partner and wife of nearly 60 years, Joel Ellen; their children, Jaquenette (Paul) Albert, Jill Cox and Jay (Karen) Smith; grandchildren, Stacie (fiancé, Rob Kahl) Albert, Zachary Albert, Joshua Albert, Keegan Cox and Kyler Schwenn; sister, Janis Marks; brother, Jim (Jane) Smith; nieces, nephews, other relatives, dance studio family and friends – too numerous to mention all by name. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by Joel Ellen’s parents, Tom and Edith Martin.

A Service of Life Celebration, with military honors, will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home (4600 County Line Road) on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00-11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the “Wounded Warrior Project” has been suggested.

A special note of thanks to the dedicated nurses, aides and physical therapists of Aurora Medical Center for the compassionate care and support given in Jack’s time of need. Your kindness and generosity will always be remembered!