Andrew James Smith

Andrew James Smith, 33 years old, Oregon, IL Andrew Smith, beloved son and brother, passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 18, 2017. Andrew was born on September 7, 1983, in Rochelle, IL. He is survived by his parents, James and Shirley (Toppe) Smith, of Oregon, IL; his sisters Sarah (Adam) Kennay, of Ashton, IL; and Joanne (Chris) Moan, of Lockport, IL. Andrew was the beloved uncle of one niece, Evelyn, and three nephews, Soren, Wyatt and Clayton. He was the cherished nephew of many aunts and uncles: Virginia Toppe, Mt. Morris, IL; Susan and Aaron Hurliman, Rockford, IL; Marie and Bill Oelklaus, Dodgeville, WI; Carolyn Toppe, Oregon, IL; Tim and Gwen Toppe, Big Lake, MN; Michelle and Jim Busse, St. Louis, MO; Kenneth and Lorna Smith, Eureka, IL; Tim and Teresa Smith, Dixon, IL, and one great-uncle, Paul Harvey, Rockford, IL. Andrew was also a dear cousin to many. Andrew was predeceased by his grandparents, Viola and Ben Smith, of Oregon, IL and Margene and Vernon Toppe, of Malta, IL. Andrew graduated from Oregon High School in 2002. He attended DeVry University in Addison, IL, and Motorcycles Mechanics Institute (MMI) in Phoenix, AZ. As a machinist, he worked for F.N. Smith in Oregon, IL. Since 2011, Andrew worked in the body shop at the Chrysler Corporation Assembly Plant in Belvidere. Andrew's sense of humor brightened our lives, and he was a vibrant part of our family. He will be greatly missed by his beloved cats, Fluffy and Bobby. His love of animals, technology, history and trains will be remembered and treasured. To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die. Services will be held at Finch Funeral Home, Mt. Morris, IL. There will be a visitation on Saturday, January 21st at 10:00am. A memorial service will follow at 11:00am. Lunch will be served at 12:00pm at Disciples United Methodist Church in Mt. Morris. There will be a private family burial. Memorials may be directed to Rosecrance, the Mt. Morris Ambulance and/or Police Department and the Oregon Train Depot Project (oregondepot.org).