Erna Mae Smiley, age 87, of Lancaster passed away unexpectedly on Thursday Feb. 7, 2019 at her residence in Lancaster. Erna was born on Aug. 29, 1931. She was united in marriage to Robert Byron “Bob” Smiley.
Erna worked for an insurance company in Iowa. Erna and Bob moved to rural Stitzer and established the neighborhood known as “Smileyville” in the late 1960’s. They fell in love with many special neighbors and established many wonderful friendships. Erna was a very talented artist and painter and an avid reader. She also enjoyed watching Masterpiece Theater on PBS, cheering on her beloved Green Bay Packers and tending to her Fairy Gardens. Erna and Bob were passionate about the new library that was built in Lancaster and were very active supporters of the Schreiner Memorial Library. Erna will be remembered for her great personality, spunky attitude, and her devotion her neighbors and friends.
Erna is survived by her brother-in-laws; Rick (Bev) Lemburg of Forsyth, MO, Barry (Beth) Smiley, sister-in-law Silia Smiley both of Davenport, IA, and a special cousin Rolf (Lotta) Ljung of Malmo, Sweden along with several other cousins, friends, and neighbors.
Erna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert on Nov. 8, 2006, and sister-in-law Beverly Smiley.
At the request of Erna, there will be no formal memorial service held at this time. Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given in loving memory of Erna Smiley to the Schreiner Memorial Library at 113 West Elm St. Lancaster, WI 53813. The Larson Family Funeral Home of Fennimore is assisting the family.