William Ned Smirl

Bill was born on November 17, 1938 to Julia and Gerald Smirl in Waukesha, Wisconsin and was the third of 3 boys. Despite the age gap of over 15 years, Bill was close to and admired his big brothers, Warren and Quentin. Growing up in Waukesha honed the qualities that would come to define Bill. It was there that he developed his incredible work ethic, a love for animals, devotion to the Green Bay Packers, and a love of classic cars. He also refined his mischievous sense of humor by telling jokes and playing tricks on people.

Bill graduated from Waukesha High School and went on to earn a bachelor of science degree from Carroll College. After college, Bill served his country by enlisting in the army and army reserves. Shortly thereafter, Bill married Karen Ann Kirchhoff, his college sweetheart. Two years later, Bill and Karen were off to California so Bill could pursue his master’s degree in Public Health from the University of California (Berkeley). Bill’s new degree and his work ethic allowed him a long career in the UC System. He worked at UC Santa Barbara for two years and then at UC Irvine for 31 years as Director of Environmental Health and Safety.

Bill and Karen Ann were blessed with two children, Richard William and Kathryn Elizabeth. Bill was a doting dad, a constant cheerleader and a role model to his children. He spent time with his kids and was often cheering at their basketball games, taking family vacations or watching Packer games together. Bill’s love for his children spilled over to his six grandchildren. He took time to be with them, write cards to them (always signing off with his famous kitty drawings) and had nicknames for each of them. They each adored and respected him.

Many happy years were interrupted by the death of his first wife and mother to Rick and Kathy, Karen Ann. With great sadness and after a long and valiant fight, Karen Ann passed away from breast cancer in 1992. Bill was destined for one more great love, however. He met and married another wonderful lady (also named Karen) two years later. Bill married Karen Marie Peterson at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach in 1994. Being a man of devout faith, Bill always said, “God blessed me with two incredible Karens”.

Bill retired in 2001 and was busier than ever working as an apartment owner and landlord, tinkering with classic cars, spending time with family, enjoying Big Bear Lake, driving his boat, and of course, cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

Anyone who knew Bill experienced him as kind, caring, gentle, patient, very funny, a family man, and a man of deep faith in Christ. He passed away peacefully at Hoag Hospital on December 9, 2022 surrounded by his 2 loving children, Rick and Kathy, and by his devoted wife, Karen Marie.

Bill is survived by his wife Karen Marie, his son Rick (and Holly), his daughter Kathy, and grandchildren, Steve (and Hannah), Kaitlyn, Holly, Emma, Carter, and Evelyn.