Dena A. Smith (October 19, 1899 – February 20, 1968) was the state treasurer of Wisconsin from 1957 to 1959 and from 1961 until her death in office in 1968.[1] She was the first woman to be elected to a statewide constitutional office in Wisconsin.[2]
She was born in Kewaunee, Wisconsin as Dena Besserdich,[2][3] the daughter of Charles Besserdich and Emma Stups Besserdich.[4] Smith was a business manager for music stores in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.[2] During that period, Smith was a member of State, National and International Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs.[5] Active in party politics, Smith served three terms as vice chairman of the 4th congressional district Republican executive committee and was a Republican presidential elector in 1960.[6]
She assisted her husband Warren R. Smith as deputy treasurer when he was state treasurer, and she was appointed to succeed him when he died by Governor Vernon Thomson.[7] She was elected to the office in 1960 and she served until her death from double pneumonia on February 20, 1968.[2][8]
