Walter Burton Smith, Jr.

Walter Burton Smith, Jr Feb. 20, 2025 Father. Grandfather. Brother. Son. Husband. Soldier. Walt, age 78, of Roseville Minnesota, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Walt was born in Winona, MN on December 19, 1946, to Helen Anderson and Walter Joseph Smith. Walt grew up in Richfield, MN, and graduated from Richfield High School in 1965. After high school, Walt enlisted in the United States Army. He was a member of the 101st Airborne, 1st Brigade, 8th Infantry Division. He served in Vietnam and was wounded in battle, earning a Purple Heart. He would later complete his military service stateside, receiving an Honorable Discharge in May of 1972 at the rank of Specialist 4 (SP4). For his actions and time in service to the United States, Walt was awarded several medals and badges that included: The Purple Heart, Army Commendation, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Vietnam Campaign, and Vietnam Service medals, as well as Combat Infantry, and Parachute badges. After his discharge from the Army, Walt met and married Joyce Pederson in 1970 (div. 1984), with whom he had three children, Michael, Theresa, and Kelly. Walt later married Bonnie Ford in 1986 (div. 1999) and became a father to Bonnie's daughter Pauline. Walt worked for Target at the shipping and receiving warehouse for 35 years until he retired in 2008. In addition to spending time with his family and friends, Walt was an avid reader and chili-making enthusiast. He also enjoyed late-night trips to the casino, and having a smoke with a cold can of beer on a hot summer day. Walt was preceded in death by his parents Walter Sr. and Helen; Brothers Wayne, Bobby, and Michael; and Grandchildren Andrew and Jaxon. He is survived by his siblings Mary, Merlin, Janice, Ronald, Rodney,Linda, and Dennis; his children Micheal (Kathryn), Theresa (Joseph Gatten), Kelly (Robert Ziesmer), and Pauline (Matt Just); Grandchildren Britany, Bryce, Cody, Ashley, Emily, and Elsie; Great-grandchildren Madisyn and Olivia; as well as many nieces and nephews. A military honors service will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 7th. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 1:00- 4:00 PM at Landsby on Penn Apartments located at 6200 Penn Ave S., Richfield, MN, 55423.

Tributes

Walter Burton Smith, Jr.

December 19, 1946 - February 20, 2025

Tributes

Walter Burton Smith, Jr.

December 19, 1946 - February 20, 2025

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