Mark Edmund Nathaniel Smith

Mark E. Smith, age 69, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, peacefully entered the gates of heaven on May 2, 2026. Mark lived a life defined by generosity, craftsmanship, and a deep love for the people around him. Mark was born on October 29, 1956, St. Catherines Ontario Canada to Ross and Elizabeth Smith (deceased). Due to his father's business Mark lived in many locations including St. Catharines ON, Kitchener ON, Toronto ON, Sydney NS, before his family moved to Minnesota in 1971. He received a BS of Economics from Hillsdale college where he made lifelong friends including many of his Phi Sig brothers. He received his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University where he met the love of his life Christine. They were married in 1983 and together they built a home filled with laughter, hospitality, and unwavering support of family and friends. Mark was the proud father of two sons, whom he raised with a steady, loving hand. His oldest son, Ned Smith, and Ned's wife Rochelle, blessed him with two grandsons, Grayson and Caden, who brought him endless joy. His youngest son, Ross Smith, and Ross's wife Stephanie, gave him his granddaughter Eve, who lit up his world. Mark and Christine enjoyed spending time together with family and friends. During the summer they spent time on their boat cruising the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, especially letting his grandchildren drive the boat. He loved tennis and could often be found on the tennis court. Mark started his career as a corporate attorney but transitioned his career to his love of technology. Before his retirement, he was an IT Program Manager for Optum. He was a long-time member of Wayzata Community Church where he served as Treasurer for many years. He had great joy in coaching both of his son's hockey teams and served as a Director of Minnesota Youth Hockey Association's (MYHA) District Six and on the board of Minnetonka Youth Hockey. Mark had a gift for bringing people together. Whether he was working on his boat or hosting friends and family, he created spaces where others felt welcome. He loved being on the water, fixing things with his hands, and sharing stories that made people feel like they belonged. Above all, Mark was proud of his family and the life he built. He was especially proud of his two sons. The values he lived by, including kindness, hard work, loyalty, and the importance of showing up for the people you love, continue on in them. His influence is visible in the way they lead their families, care for others, and carry forward the steady strength he modeled every day. His legacy lives on in the people he loved the gatherings he made memorable, and the quiet, enduring values he passed down to the next generation. Besides his wife, children and grandchildren Mark is survived by his siblings Cynthia (Lenard) Krull, David (Kim) Smith, and Pamela Smith, as well as his sisters-in law Cindy (Paul) Budek, Deborah (Kevin) Grabe, Denise (Jack, deceased) Fix and brothers-in-law Andrew (Carolyn) and John (Tricia) Etzler and many cousins, nieces and nephews who he cherished throughout his life. A memorial service will be held on May 16th at 11 am, with visitation starting at 10 am CST at Washburn McReavy 7625 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made om Mark's behalf to Minneapolis Crisis Center. The family would like to thank the nurses at Methodist Hospital ICU and Park Nicollett Hospice who gave him such great care during his final days.

Mark Edmund Nathaniel Smith

October 29, 1956 - May 2, 2026

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