Linden Harold Smith

Linden Harold Smith, 79, passed away at home on September 12, 2026, with his wife and beloved dog, Missy, beside him.

Born on May 25, 1947, in Owensboro, Kentucky, Linden spent part of his early life in Wisconsin before returning to Kentucky with his parents as a child. Even after moving back, he kept a deep love for Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Family vacations to visit relatives there became a cherished tradition, and through those trips he showed his daughters the importance of family and staying connected to those you love. He also enjoyed quiet moments drinking his coffee by Lake Michigan, a place that remained close to his heart.

Linden retired from Fisher Packing after 27 years of dedicated work. He was known as a hardworking and dependable man who believed deeply in providing for his family. His devotion to his wife was one of the defining qualities of his life, and his family always knew they could count on him. To many he was known as “Linny,” but his favorite title was Dad.

He was an amazing father and husband, a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan who enjoyed every season, and a man whose sense of humor kept those around him laughing until the end. He taught his girls how to dance and would often sing “Oh How Happy” by Shades of Blue. In his golden years, he found special joy in simple comforts: holding his dog, drinking coffee, and watching The Price Is Right and Let’s Make a Deal with Margie, a time he described as “the good life.”

Linden and his wife, Margie, met in 1969, and “Hey Jude” became their song. He liked to say it was their song because it was longer than other songs and he liked to hold Margie close. Their love was enduring and tender, and they would have celebrated 57 years of marriage in November. He did so much for her, and she lovingly called him her right arm.

He is survived by his wife, Margie; his daughters, Jen Rager and her husband Mike, and Brandy Wayne and her husband Kevin; and his three grandsons, Nathan, Nicholas, and Cameron. He also shared a special bond with his granddog, Reecey, and with his beloved dog, Missy. The love he gave his family, the laughter he brought into their lives, and the steady strength he offered each day will remain with them always.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel and Lois Heide Smith, and by his beloved mother-in-law, Margaret Frank, who said he treated her like a queen.

In his recent days, he was telling his family he was ready to go see his mom and dad. They now take comfort in knowing he was welcomed in to the arms of his family with polka music playing. Those that went before him greeted him saying "Welcome home Lindy".

“I love you very much. See you later” — Your Hunnybunny

Cremation was chosen, and there will be no service.

In memorium gifts can be made in his honor to the Kentucky Humane Society as he had a special bond with his granddog, Reecey, who was adopted from there.