Gary Curtis Smith

MADISON/COTTAGE GROVE-Gary Curtis Smith, age 70, of Cottage Grove, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, at UW Hospital.  He was born on Jan. 8, 1947, in Faribault, Minn., the son of Richard and Beatrice (Code) Smith.  Gary served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1969. He graduated from MATC with a degree in Fire Science.  Gary married Sandra Mahlke on April 17, 1971.  He worked as a firefighter for 25 years, retiring in 1999.  Gary loved being involved with his grandkids and all of their activities.  He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, especially the Badgers and Packers.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, summers at the cottage, and traveling south in the winter.  Gary is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; daughters, Tiffany (Brett) Sawyer and Courtney (Roger) Turner; grandchildren, Payton, Jordan, Colten, Kylie and Tyson; and brother, Jay.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  A Memorial Service will be held at DOOR CREEK CHURCH, 6602 Dominion Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2017, with a luncheon to follow.  Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.