John Reit Smeda

Im now just short of 70 years old and the German that Herr Smeda taught me has stuck in my brain well over the years!! He was a totally effective teacher who loved his subject and his students! Salute´ Herr Smeda

How often can you say that a substitute teacher made a lasting impact on your life? Rest in peace Mr. Smeda. You were a gift to this world. My condolences to your family - he was a wonderful man.

My boys and I have many great memories of helping Mr. and Mrs. Smeda with the rhubarb harvest and more. I always loved hearing the Dutch accent as we are Dutch, but several generations removed from the Netherlands. Mr. Smeda always had a fun story to tell and was always ready to take the boys out on the golf cart when we stopped by. Opa will be missed by us all.

John taught an adult Dutch Class at Christian High School many years ago. He had us sing the Dutch songs and then read them so we could get the right sounds. This Polish girl, Mary Jean Pawloski, can still speak fluent Dutch thanks to John Smeda and was able recently go to the Netherlands and still be understood 50 years later. John Smeda was a very special man. My condolences to the family and God Bless.

My girls and I spent a lot of time in the strawberries. It sure helped in our finances at the time. It gave the girls some spending money. Thanks. Donna Fryling. I remember when Norm came home with 5 huge pumpkins that John had given him for the grandkids. They carved them. The youngest could have sat inside of his. Carol enjoyed working in the garage.
Thank you Frances.

My name is Carly and I graduated from otsego high in 2008. It broken my heart to hear about mr. smeda. He was such a wonderful man. My friends were always excited when we knew we would have him for a substitute. He always told us interesting stories and funny jokes. He was my favorite substitute growing up. He had a heart of gold and I know he will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.

He was such a nice man to talk to. He was a great person and will be missed.

My deepest sympathies to the Smeda family. What a beautiful full life he lived! In high school, when we found out Mr. Smeda would be our substitute, it would be a huge sigh of relief. Mr. Smeda always filled the hour with stories and laughter. I am saddened to hear of his passing, but joyful to know he is dancing with the Lord.

Mr. Smeda was one of my favorite subs when I was in high school! He would always conveniently misplace the lesson plan and spend the class hour telling us stories. It was always great to see him in the classroom. Every time I drive by Smeda's farms I can never help but smile Very fond memories of him and am so sorry to hear that he passed. I can only think of positive things about mr. smeda.