Dolores J. Smith-Caraker

Dee and her late husband Bernie relocated their large family to the Sarasota area from Kimberly Wisconsin in 1970 and drawing on their love of people and service, resolved themselves as restauranteurs. They quickly established an infamous local hotspot; The Flying Dutchman Restaurant – known for its famous clam bakes and for introducing Live Maine Lobster to the area. By hosting countless bus trips to Buccaneer games for patrons and friends, they soon became an icon of the community. After retiring in 1982, the restaurant became what we know today as Joto’s Japanese Steakhouse.

Retirement only led to new ambitions and insights. They soon discovered their love for travel and secured a summer lake cottage in Shawano WI. Yet a greater calling was to come to pass, that of selfless service. With the philanthropies of the Shriners, the Ladies of the Oriental Shrine, the Oriental Band, and volunteering at the Shriners Hospital for Children. The Lord called for Bernie’s presence, and he passed away in 1991.

Not one to be deterred, with grit Dee forged onward and earned her GED in 1993 at the age of 61, at that time the oldest female GED recipient in Florida’s history to accomplish this feat. She became a volunteer firefighter for Trailer Estates where she drove the department’s Engine and Quick Attack trucks.

In 1994, she remarried to Mr. Bill Caraker, together they continued their mutual passion for travel and Shriner philanthropies. They relocated to Golf Lakes and were celebrated by many there for their involvement in the community. Dee mastered the fine art of growing pineapple and orchids, even winning first prize in the county fair for her beautiful flowers. Again, God called her husband home. Bill passed on to the Lord in 2016.

Dee never gave up. She never took no for an answer. She was the glue that made her family great. Her amazing quilts, ceramics and oil paintings can still be found in homes throughout the county today. She was loved by all who knew her – and she gave the best hugs you could ever get.

Of her family, she was predeceased in death by her husband’s Bernie Smith and Bill Caraker, her parents Leo and Marie Santkuyl, her brothers Joe, Art and Norb Santkuyl, her sister Christina Biechler and her precious granddaughter Andrea Koch.

She is survived by all six of her children and their spouses: Debbie Smith Roth, Russ (Theresa) Smith, Jeff Smith, Cindy Smith (Bob) Chippendale, Chris (Julie) Smith, Joe (Tanya) Smith as well as three granddaughters, three great granddaughters and a great grandson.

A memorial service for Dolores will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park, 1221 53rd Ave East, Bradenton, FL 34203.

In lieu of flowers we humbly suggest donating to the Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ManasotaMemorial.com for the Smith-Caraker family.