John W. Smyth

Woodbury, MN. John W. Smyth of Woodbury, Minnesota, age 52, died unexpectedly at his home on September 10, 2016. He was born in La Crosse to Robert D. and Patricia "Patty" M. (Guilfoyle) Smyth on December 4, 1963, the youngest of three children. John was an avid sportsman and enjoyed downhill skiing, cycling, golf and fishing, both in his youth and during his entire adult life. He was an excellent athlete
and earned a number of letters in football and track at Aquinas High School from where he graduated in 1982. After high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire graduating with a marketing degree. It was there he honed his selling skills and became the consummate salesman. The last 22 years he sold tooling for Wilson Tool International where he earned a number of awards for his sales achievements. John dearly loved his family and friends and enjoyed telling his customers stories about them as part of his sales pitch. He was an avid Packer and Badger football fan.
John is survived by his brother, Robert P. (Barb) Smyth, and sister, Susan (Bob) Blau; his three nieces, who lovingly called him Uncle J, Sara Smyth, Lisa Smyth and Jenny (John) Lightbody; great nephews, Evan and Owen Lightbody; great niece, Norah Lightbody; and the Kelly and Kozak cousins. He is further survived by his best buddies, Scott Gerke and Terry Flynn, who accompanied him on may trips and adventures since they started first grade together at St. Thomas More School, along with many friends and co-workers. John was predeceased by his parents, Robert D. and Patricia M. Smyth.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Mother of the Church Parish in

La Crosse on Friday, October 7, 2016. Father Brian Konopa & Msgr. Steven Kachel

will concelebrate. Visitation with the family will be at the church from 9:30 AM until the

time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Mary Mother of the Church Building Fund or the charity of your choice. Schumacher-Kish of La Crosse is assisting the family.