Adam A. Smith, 28, of Merrill, passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, after a battle with a rare bone cancer, Osteosarcoma. Adam was born December 20, 1993, in Wausau, son of Wally and Judy (Lohfink) Smith. He attended Northcentral Technical College, UW-Marathon, and UW-Stevens Point and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education. He began his career as a Special Education teacher at Merrill High School in 2018.Adam loved his job and the students. He taught them to be kind and selfless. Adam impacted many lives in the most positive way, whether it was teaching, coaching, or being a friend. Adam loved basketball. He held several basketball coaching positions at Merrill High School. He was the assistant coach of the boys basketball team under Head Coach Soderberg and served as the interim Head Coach after Coach Soderberg’s departure. Adam then was the assistant coach of the girls basketball team and served one year as the Head Coach until his health failed. Adam was also a coach for Special Olympics and was a Special Olympics booster club member. Adam was also a member of the Eagle’s Club. Adam enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Survivors include his parents, Wally and Judy Smith of Merrill; his siblings, Emily Smith of Merrill and Alex Smith of Appleton; his paternal grandmother, Gladys Smith of Shalimar, Florida; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. Adam was preceded in death by his sister, Kelsey Smith; his paternal grandfather, William Smith; and his maternal grandparents, Donald and Helen Lohfink.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 7, 2022, at the Merrill High School Auditorium – 1201 N. Sales St., Merrill. Deacon Jim Arndt will preside. Burial will take place at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Merrill. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, January 6that the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and again after 10:00 A.M Friday, January 7th at the Merrill High School Auditorium. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Adam’s name to Merrill Special Olympics.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com