Eugene Smith

Eugene Olaf Smith was born in Alexandria, Minnesota, on February 28, 1928, the son of Olaf and Catherine (Rau) Smith. Eugene was baptized at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Holmes City. Eugene was confirmed on September 20, 1942, at the Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church of Alexandria. He continued as a life-long member of this church. ?Smitty? attended Mill Lake District #60 school through 8th grade and then graduated from high school in Alexandria. He joined the United States Navy in February 1946 and served for two years. On July 8, 1951, Eugene was united in marriage to Shirley Udell at the Calvary Lutheran Church. He worked for the C. Al Michaelson Plumbing and Heating Company in Alexandria, then for the Great Lakes Pipeline for 9 years before working the last 28 years of his employment career for Minnegasco in Alexandria. He retired on February 28, 1990. Eugene was a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge and enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and gardening. He died on July 17, 2013, in Northglenn, Colorado, at the age of 85 years. He is survived by his children, Jennifer Kay Smith, Kathy Jo Ziegler, Susan Fuentes, Barbara Jean Smith, and Courtney Smith. Also surviving are six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and his sisters Ella Mae Emmans of Anoka, and Irma Kelly of Orono. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Irene, and brother Laurance. Masonic services were held on Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at the Anderson Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 from the Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Minnesota, with Rev. Hans Dahl officiating. Music was provided by Kim Byrne. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria, Minnesota, with Lee Johnson, Larry McCoy, Jim Gratias, Gary Ziegler, Ward Sonsteby, and Wayne Becker serving as pallbearers. Military Honors were accorded by American Legion Post #87, VFW Post #926, and the Minnesota National Guard. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net