Sarah C. Smith

Sarah Smith, age 47, passed away peacefully at her home on August 19th, surrounded by her devoted family and friends. A radiant soul and fierce fighter, Sarah lived with metastatic breast cancer for over eight years, facing each day with courage, grace, and an unwavering zest for life.

Sarah was the kind of person who left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Her warmth, generosity, and boundless energy made people feel instantly seen and valued. Whether through a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand, Sarah had a gift for lifting others up and making them feel special.

In 2013, she married her soulmate, Eugene Smith, and embraced her role as a loving bonus mom to Aidan, Reed, and Anna. Her love extended far beyond her immediate family—she cherished her nephew, Isaiah and nieces, Regina and Chloe, as if they were her own. Sarah was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend. Even her beloved dog, Charlie, was touched by her gentle spirit and remained faithfully by her side.

Sarah’s passion for life was evident in everything she did. She was a talented athlete in her youth, playing volleyball, basketball, and softball—sports she later coached with heart and enthusiasm. She was also a respected leader in her professional life, known for her many years as general manager at Buffalo Wild Wings, where she built a community of colleagues and friends. Following in her grandparent’s footsteps she contributed her many talents to the St. Anne’s Fish Fry for several years.

She found joy in camping, traveling, watching sports, and spending time with loved ones. Sarah was the heartbeat of every gathering, the quiet organizer behind the scenes who made sure everyone felt welcome and celebrated. She never sought attention, but her presence was always felt—bright, comforting, and unforgettable.

Sarah is survived by her husband, Eugene; her children, Aidan, Reed, and Anna; her father, Kurt Buehler; her in-laws, Jim and Yvonne Smith, and Al and Jean Maszk; her sisters, Wendy (Henry) Kremnitzer and Lisa Buehler; her brother-in-law, Josh (Kathy) Smith; her nephew, Isaiah Buehler; her nieces, Regina Buehler and Chloe Kremnitzer; and many loving cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lawrence and Lillian Utecht, and Harold and Madeline Buehler.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 700 West Bridge Street, Wausau, with Rev. Allan Slowiak presiding. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 25 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, and continue at the church on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park. A luncheon will take place at Willow Springs Garden after services.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kari Wisinski and the staff at UW Health – Madison for their exceptional care throughout Sarah’s journey. In her final days, Compassus Hospice provided compassionate support, and her nurse Hank offered comfort and kindness that will never be forgotten.

Sarah requested that no one wear all black to her funeral.

“Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that’s the way I’ll remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don’t remember me at all.”