Gerald R Smith

Longtime resident of New Brighton and McGregor, MN. Passed away Saturday, surrounded by his loving family. He worked for many years at Sperry / Univac. Jerry was a proud Navy veteran serving during the Korean conflict. Survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorene; 4 children, Paul (Deb), Mike (Cindy), Dick (Jenny) and Sue (Mike) Blumer; grandchildren, Justin, Dan, Brent, Andrea and Derek Smith, Bridget Hymans, Nate, Caleb, and Arica Smith, Megan Scott, Mallory, Brad and Courtney Blumer; 4 great-grandchildren and 3 siblings. Jerry was born on April 6th 1931 in Grand Forks, ND to George and Ruth Smith. Jerry spent winters playing hockey and summers working on his uncle's farm in Roseau, MN. He enlisted in the US Navy after graduation from Central High School in 1949. Jerry married his high school sweetheart on December 20th, 1951. They honeymooned in a snow drift on the way to Mpls. Jerry traveled the world with the Navy during the Korean Conflict. Upon completion of the 4 Navy years, Jerry enrolled in the University of North Dakota. Six years and four kids later, he graduated in June of 1960 and moved his young family to Denver Colorado and a job with Martin-Marietta. In 1966 Jerry and the family picked up stakes and moved to New Brighton, MN and a career change to Sperry/Univac. Along with work and family Jerry was very active with the local and state youth hockey programs. Jerry was awarded the Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association President's Award in 1976-77. He was a true progressive and champion for girl's hockey long before anybody knew girls could wear hockey skates. In 1977 Jerry and Dorene once again were on the move, this time to Winnipeg, Canada where Jerry opened a Defense Systems Plant in a joint venture between Sperry Corp and the Canadian Government. In December 1983 Jerry received the Manitoban of the month award from the Mid-Canada Commerce. Jerry and Dorene retired in 1993 to the "fixer upper" home they purchased on Lake Minnewawa in McGregor, MN. Jerry being a lifetime fixer of all things quickly rose to the challenge of the transformation. Jerry, never one to miss an opportunity to meet and join a conversation, quickly became very active in many of the local civic activities and associations. Jerry was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2004. Jerry was strong and courageous as the disease progressed. He loved and spoke often of Grand Forks, Roseau the time he spent in the Navy, Fighting Sioux, his family and especially the love of his life, Dorene. Memorial service 11:00 AM Friday, July 15 at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM-PURCELL Funeral Home, 515 Hwy 96 W. at Mackubin, Shoreview (visitation 10:00 - 11:00 AM). Private family interment. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association.

Tributes

Gerald R Smith

April 6, 1931 - July 9, 2016

Tributes

Gerald R Smith

April 6, 1931 - July 9, 2016

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