MARSHFIELD — A visitation and celebration of life for Sophia Ann Smrz, 17, Junction City, will be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Marshfield on Sunday, Oct. 1, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. There will be a Rosary Service led by Rev. Mariapackiam Pitchai (Father Packi) beginning at 6:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Milladore, where a gathering for family and friends will be held from noon until service time. The Mass will be co-celebrated by Rev. Mariapackiam Pitchai-Savari and Rev. Gregory Michaud. A meal will be served in the church basement after burial in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Sophia was born May 18, 2006 in Marshfield to Jesse and Kathryn (Richardson) Smrz. She just began her senior year at Marshfield High School. Sophia was on the Varsity Swim team, a member of National Honor Society and HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). Sophia achieved high honors during high school and was in the top 7 percent of her class of over 300 students. She was academically determined and driven to succeed. Her course load was rigorous, consisting of mainly Honors and AP (Advanced Placement) classes. Sophia passed every AP exam taken, 7 to date, earning the honor of AP Scholar with Distinction. She was enrolled into 4 AP classes her senior year. Sophia was in the process of completing college applications with dreams of being accepted to UW-Madison for biochemistry and had the ultimate goals of attending medical school to become a physician and surgeon.

Sophia volunteered her time at Marshfield Medical Center stocking nursing carts on 4 North. She attained certification in first aid, CPR and was a certified lifeguard. Sophia worked the past 2 summers for the City of Marshfield as a lifeguard for Vandehey Waters Outdoor Aquatic Center. She also volunteered as a lifeguard and timer for middle school swim meets. Sophia completed the Certified Nursing Assistant program this summer and was considering working as a casual CNA at Marshfield Medical Center.

Sophia spent her spare time playing the electric guitar, drawing and crocheting. She was musically talented, playing the flute and saxophone; self-taught herself to play the ukulele, electric guitar and harmonica. She enjoyed shredding on her Stratocaster, anything from Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb, to Eddie Van Halen’s Eruption, to the Foo Fighters’ Everlong. She was quite artistic with the ability for sketching people and crocheting small items which would become great birthday and Christmas gifts.

Sophia was well rounded growing up on a farm and also enjoyed rifle hunting during deer season. She was passionate about hauling round bales off the field with the loader tractor as she could prop her legs up on the arms to enhance her summer tan. Sophia enjoyed shooting her .308 rifle with great accuracy even at extended ranges. Each fall she enjoyed hunting with her family, especially with her dad, grandpa and sister. In 2020 she harvested an 8-point buck with a clean shot through the heart.

Sophia was an active member of North County Line 4-H Club since kindergarten. Over the years she held officer positions of Treasurer, Vice President and President. Through the 4-H Club she began raising show pigs. She participated in the Central Wisconsin State Fair for 8 years and won Grand Champion Market Hog in 2021.

Sophia was an active member of St. Wenceslaus Parish, being a mass server in her early years, and later after being confirmed into the Catholic faith in 2022 she was serving the parish as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister.

Sophia was outgoing and had the ability to bring positive energy with her when she walked into any room. Her humorous, energetic, and fun-loving personality, along with her witty remarks and quick come-backs, made Sophia who she was and fun to be around. She will be missed by so many family and friends who loved and adored her. Sophia had so much potential to offer this world, and we enjoyed watching her grow. We are saddened that God has called this beautiful, smart, talented, young lady so early in life.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be put towards a scholarship memorial fund to be established in Sophia’s name.

Sophia’s time with us ended prematurely following a tragic car accident on Friday, Sept. 22. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the First Responders, Wood County Sherriff’s Department, State Patrol and Coroner who were at the accident scene offering their services, along with Rembs Funeral Home for their guidance, explanations and compassion during this difficult time. In addition, gratitude is extended to all Sophia’s family, friends and neighbors who came together to provide their support.