Obituary of Daniel George Smith

Daniel George Smith of Blue Island, passed from this life Wednesday, June 23, at his home at the age of 68. Dan was born in Waukegan Township, Illinois to the late Elmer "Bus" Smith and the late Isabelle nee Meyer. He attended school in Spring Grove and Richmond, IL and lived in Crystal Lake before relocating to Blue Island. Dan graduated from Northern Illinois University and first worked as a teacher at St. Thomas School in Crystal Lake. Later he served as Principal at St. Mary School of Woodstock, St. Walter School of Chicago and Infant Jesus of Prague School of Flossmoor. Dan finished his professional career teaching at Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Chicago. Dan enjoyed camping, canoeing, traveling, home renovations and cabinetry. He especially delighted in chaperoning groups of his students to Staddle Camp at Brush Creek Ranch, a science and adventure camp in Wyoming. Dan also enjoyed working in theatre productions, and was involved in acting, directing and managing. While producing "Fiddler on the Roof" for Town Square Players at Woodstock Opera House, he met his wife, who was performing in the show. His last play was "Crazy for You" at the Beverly Arts Center. Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Kari nee Coventry, and his 2 loving children, Ben Smith and Lena Smith. Also surviving are his dear siblings David Smith, Sharon Peterson, and Nancy Delware, step-siblings, June Stripp, Lorraine Zarnstorff, and Trish Cerice, nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial visitation for Dan will be held Tuesday, July 6, 2021, from 10:00 am until the time of the memorial mass at 12:00 noon at St. Walter Catholic Church, 11722 S. Oakley Ave., Chicago. The cremation is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Big Shoulders Fund of Chicago are greatly appreciated.