March 25, 1921 - Nov. 3, 2012
Ike Smit passed away on Saturday, Nov. 3, at the age of 91, after suffering from a stroke.
Ike was born in Vale, OR, to John and Marianne Smit. He moved to Bend with his family in 1940. He
has been a resident of Bend for 72 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marie Grindle. He is survived by his daughter, Maureen Rumbaugh, her husband, Steve; grandsons, A.J. and Tyler Rumbaugh; nieces, Patti Froelich and Ann Schrick; best friend, Mary Martin; and countless others.
Ike served in WWII, U.S. Army, as a tank gunner and radio operator with the 2nd Armored Division (Hell on Wheels) under General George Patton Commander. He arrived in Northeastern Africa on May 24, 1943, to fight Rommel. He also fought in the following battles: Sicily, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes (the Battle of the Bulge), Central Europe entering Berlin at the end of the war.
He received a Purple Heart when his tank was hit on Dec. 28, 1944. That was his third tank that was destroyed under him. He was in the hospital for 3 months and then reentered the war returning to the U.S. on Oct. 7, 1945.
Ike has been a member of the Bend Elks since 1950 and served as Exhalted Ruler and Tiler.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution in Ikes name may do so with Central Oregon Veterans Outreach (COVO), Bend Elks Lodge or St. Francis Parish.
Christian Funeral Liturgy Services will be held Thursday, Nov. 8, 10:30 a.m., St. Francis Catholic Church located at Franklin and Lava St., Bend, OR.
Military Honors will be given at Deschutes Memorial Gardens cemetery, 63875 N. Hwy. 97, Bend, OR. (Est. 11:30 a.m.).
Arie Smit
