Caleb Lester Smith

DEFOREST-Caleb Lester Smith of DeForest, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at UW American Family Children’s Hospital. He was born on July 10, 2017, in Milwaukee, the son of Kevin and Angela Smith. Caleb loved all books, especially the book Hide and Squeak. He loved Elmo, enjoyed seeing silly faces, and loved to wiggle out of his swaddle blankets so he could put them in his mouth. He had just learned to wave, clap his hands, and could almost sit up on his own. He loved spending time with his Granma and Granpa Smith, reading books, singing, and rocking. Caleb is survived by his loving parents; grandparents, Milton and Marilyn Smith, and Elizabeth Kesner; aunt, Kari (Patrick) Sweeney; uncle, Matthew Jenkins; cousin, Ava Sweeney; great-grandmother, Irene Kesner; many great-aunts and great-uncles; and his beloved dog, Nelly. He was preceded in death by two great-grandfathers, Ralph Kesner and Lester Palmer; great-grandmother, Violet Palmer; and second cousin, Eric Christenson. A Celebration of Life will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, with Father Chad M. Droessler presiding. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee, 8948 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, Wis. 53226. A special thank you to the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, and nurse Nikki Vaughan for her support and loving care of Caleb. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.  Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420.