Thomas "Toby" L. Smits

Thomas “Toby” Smits, 80, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully at his home on October 24, 2025.

Born in Green Bay on December 12, 1944, to the late Harold and Mabel (Gauthier) Smits, A 1963 graduate of De Pere High School, he was an exceptional athlete who excelled in football, basketball, and track.

Toby married Judy (Gegare) Smits, and the two shared 45 joyful years together.

Toby was first married to Liz (Lee) Smits, and together they were blessed with three wonderful children.

Toby followed in his Father’s footsteps by serving the City of De Pere as a police officer for several years. Later, Toby and Judy owned and operated Smitty’s Tap, a beloved local gathering place in De Pere, for 23 memorable years. Toby was also a member of the Magneto’s Motorcycle Club.

A passionate boater and lifelong lover of the water, Toby was an active member of the Green Bay Yacht Club, where he served on the board. He took great pride in his boat and made it a personal goal to be the first vessel launched each season. Toby and Judy shared countless boating adventures across Lake Michigan, hosting parties and cruises filled with laughter, friendship, and good times.

Toby was known as a “jack of all trades,” always willing to lend a helping hand — whether fixing a boat, laying carpet, or tackling any project that needed doing. Toby and Judy also had a successful Vinyl & Leather repair business. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He cherished family gatherings, happy hours, and the simple joy of sharing a cocktail or two with friends and loved ones.

Larger than life in both stature and spirit, Toby will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Jessie (Al) Mayer of Sheboygan Falls, Eric (Karen) Smits of De Pere, and Scott (Jessica) Smits of De Pere; his grandchildren, Shania (Bryce) Evans of Indianapolis, Skyler VanDenack of Sheboygan Falls, Jordan (Danielle) Follett of De Pere, Alayna Smits of De Pere, Dominic Smits (Amber Romanek) of Suamico, and Mckayla and Clayton Smits of De Pere. He is further survived by his brother Jim (Mary Helen) Smits of Falls Church, VA; sisters Mary Powers of Neenah and Lynda Heuvelmans of De Pere; brother-in-law Jim (Lois) Gegare of Kimberly; and many other relatives and dear friends. 

Toby was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jerry and Roy Smits; and sister Vera Mae Peters.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday November 15th from 1pm to 4pm at the Green Bay Yacht Club.

Raise a glass in Toby’s honor — a life well lived.