Frank D. Smilgis
September 12, 1946 - June 19, 2026
Obituary
TOWN OF DUNN - Frank Dennis Smilgis, age 79, of Stoughton, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on September 12, 1946, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Frank and Josephine (Shumskis) Smilgis.
Frank graduated from St. Rita’s High School in Chicago. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois. He married Jeane (Lyman) Smilgis on June 28, 1973.
Frank proudly served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and was part of 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. During his time in the Army, he served as combat engineer. Frank earned the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was also a sharpshooter.
Frank worked as a Professional Engineer for State of Wisconsin for 32 years, Daar Engineering and Figg Bridge Group. He helped oversee the construction of bridges in many states, including the I65 bridge in Kentucky and the Marquette Interchange in Milwaukee.
Frank had a great sense of humor, often exploding eggs in the microwave or bringing in random wildlife for his family. He loved the Chicago White Sox, Blackhawks, and Bears. He was a member of Knights of Columbus.
Frank is survived by his two sons, Robert Smilgis and Frank J. (Samantha) Smilgis; daughter, Karen Smilgis; son-in-law, Matthew; nine grandchildren, Frankie, Dean, Emily, Mira, Remi, Sophia, Ella, Damian, and Madelyn; and brother, Al (Jeanette) Smilgis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; parents, Frank and Josephine Smilgis; and sister, Ruth Baltas
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church, 323 N. Van Buren St., Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, with Father Randy Budnar presiding. Burial will follow at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Redemptorist Retreat Center. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.
( 608) 873-4590