Marvin J. Smits, Appleton, age 77, passed away after a brief illness with his family at his side on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton. He was born in Appleton on March 7, 1941 to the late Joseph and Waltera (Van Nuland) Smits. Marv married Carol Brehmer on August 8, 1964 at Holy Name Parish in Kimberly. He graduated from Kimberly High School in 1959 and was an avid Papermaker fan. He worked as a pipe fitter at Thilmany Pulp and Paper for 42 years until his retirement in 2001. Marv was an Army veteran and enjoyed reading about the Civil War. He also liked drawing, woodworking, camping and wintering in Gulf Shores. Marv loved to spend time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

Marv is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol; children: Linda Smits, Kimberly; Kelly (Scott) Laird, Combined Locks; and Michael (fiancée Theresa Douglas) Smits, Seymour; grandchildren: Michael (Lindsay) and Stephanie "Steph" Laird, Rachael and Samantha "Sammie" Smits; sister: Janice (Ed) Fuhrman; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Jerry Minten, Geri Brehmer, Roger Schmitt, Joyce Hopfensperger, Vi (Bill) Vincent, Betty Brehmer, David (Rose) Brehmer. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Marv was preceded in death by his sister Marilyn Minten; his father and mother-in-law, Carl and Mildred (Van Den Busch) Brehmer; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Hank Brehmer, Kenny (Ruth) Brehmer, Antoinette Schmitt, Wesley (Mary Ann) Brehmer, Don Hopfensperger, Viola (John) Mc Govern and Roger Brehmer.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main St. Little Chute) beginning at 2:00 p.m. until time of Mass at 4:00 p.m. Deacon Vincent De Groot will officiate.

The Smits Family would like to thank the doctors and nurses in the Theda Care organization and the wonderful people that work for Hospice at Theda Care Medical Center-Appleton.