Paul Severin Smith

Paul S. Smith, 74, passed away unexpectedly from a massive stroke on Friday, March 26, 2021.

Devoted husband of Holly M. Smith (nee Wabiszewski) for 35 years. Loving father of Thomas (Liz) Smith and world’s best loved grandpa of Lilly and Liam Smith.

Paul was born on September 29, 1946 to Severin and Dorothy (Pauly) Smith in Dubuque, Iowa. Paul is the youngest of his siblings; the late Barb Slania, Roger (Sarah) Smith, Terry Smith and Karleen (Bill Welch).

Paul graduated from Loras College with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. He then attended UWM on the GI Bill and earned his master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. He was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War from 1970-1972 and served as an NCO in the Finance Administration Office.

Paul was President of Measurable Performance Systems, Inc., providing Quality Training Programs for personnel, team and managerial development since 1968. He purchased the company in 1985. 

He was an adjunct professor at Marquette University in the College of Professional Studies, teaching training classes to adult students. Paul left MU after 5 ½ years, and went to Aurora Health Care, St. Luke’s campus. While at Aurora Health Care Paul was Director of Training and Development for company employees. Aurora Health Care went through a restructuring, and Paul moved on to work for 2 ½ years at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design as an in-house consultant performing training and development.

For the past five years Paul also worked part-time as an Instructor for the Center for Business Performance Solutions at Waukesha County Technical College. Through the years, Paul has also been involved at Alverno College and Cardinal Stritch University, volunteering his time and talents.

Paul was a gentle person dedicated to his family, his faith, and his country. He was a thoughtful, loving husband, father and grandpa who cherished spending time and energy with his loved ones. He was an active member of the St. Alphonsus Parish. He frequently read the readings at mass and offered his help on extra projects.

His sharp wit, smiling face, dry sense of humor and enjoyment of ‘the ministry silly walks’ will be greatly missed by friends and family.

Paul was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan. He’d listen to every broadcast game. He also followed the Milwaukee Bucks, Marquette Warriors and Green Bay Packers.

Paul was a perpetual learner and frequent visitor to the Cudahy Library and bookstores. His competitive spirit shone forth while playing board games or dominoes with family and friends.

The family of Paul Smith would like to express their special thanks to the St. Luke’s Medical Center staff, particularly the Neuro ICU staff for their sensitive, focused care of Paul and his family.

Visitation will be at the Bruskiewitz Funeral Home  from 4-8 pm on Monday, April 5th, with a prayer service to be conducted at 7 pm. On Tuesday, April 6th, family and friends can meet at the funeral home at 9 am. A 10 am funeral mass will follow on April 6th at St. Alphonsus Parish located at 6060 West Loomis Road, Greendale, WI.  

Note: Covid restrictions apply and therefore, masks will be required at all funeral activities.

Final interment will be later at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers please donate to any of Paul’s favorite organizations: Wisconsin Human Society, Milwaukee Rescue Mission or the Nature Conservancy.