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Richard "Rick / Trooper" Smith
Richard "Rick / Trooper" Smith
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Richard Smith Obituary
Richard Allan Smith was born February 1, 1953 in Glencoe, Minnesota the son of Raymond and Signe (Pedersen) Smith. He grew up in Norwood Young America and graduated from Central High School in 1971. On November 14, 1971, Rick was united in marriage with Karen Wendlandt. The couple made their home in Hamburg and was blessed with two daughters. After the sudden loss of his wife Karen in 1981, Rick met his long time companion, Patricia Makepeace. Rick was a partner with William Mueller & Sons Road Construction and was well respected by colleagues.
Rick enjoyed history, collecting and restoring old motorcycles, hunting and telling stories. One of Rick’s biggest joys was spending time with his grandchildren. He served on the Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department for many years; the Hamburg Planning Commission; Hamburg Commercial Club and the Hamburg Hunt and Fish Club. Rick was an active member of the Church Of Peace where he served on the Building Maintenance Committee and was a past Council President. He will be remembered for his sense of humor as well as his love of family and friends.
On Wednesday, November 26, 2008, Rick passed away suddenly at his home at the age of 55 years, 9 months and 25 days. He is preceded in death by his mother Signe; wife Karen; and companion Patricia.
Rick is survived by his children Julie Gamber (husband: Brett) of Minnetonka, Jennifer Hoernemann (husband: Cory) of Hamburg and Daniel Makepeace (special friend: Dana Fritz) of Bend, Oregon; grandchildren Kaitlyn & Madelyn Gamber, William, Benjamin & Maxwell Hoernemann; father Raymond Smith of Norwood Young America; siblings Ronald Smith (wife: Nancy) of Norwood Young America, Robert Smith (wife: Jeanie) of Norwood Young America, Randall Smith of Mound, Russell Smith (wife: Sarah) of Norwood Young America, Roxann Hoppe (husband: Russ) of Aiken, Roger Smith of Durango, Colorado; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law Darlene and Alan Fasching of Mound, Richard Wendlandt of Hamburg; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Arrangements were with the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Norwood Young America. For an online guest book, please visit www.mcbridefuneralchapels.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cindy (Anderson) Skalicky
December 22, 2008
To all of Rick's family-memories coming flooding back of our high school years. My mom loves to tell the story of the class trip to Shingwauk village when there were a few boys who went missing at bedtime..come to find out Rick was hiding in the stall of the girls bathroom and when the chaperones found him, he was standing on the back of the toliet with a big 'HI!" when they opened the stall door!Sounds as though he NEVER lost his sense of humor and no doubt has everyone in heaven laughing right along with him! Love & Hugs
Daryl St. John
December 21, 2008
Julie & Jenny,
I've known your dad for 31yrs, as an employer, and a friend. What a kind, fair, and honest man he was. We were working by Chaska once, and every morning we would go through McDonalds drive through. Every time, Trooper, would speak in a foreign voice, and ask the attendent what was in every item on the menu, one by one. After about 10 minutes, he would order a coffee, and we would drive away laughing.
Tropper was very well respected in his business. He thought the world of his employees, and he earned their respect. He gave 100% to the business, and it showed. He will be sadly missed, in many different ways.
Susy Dahlke
December 7, 2008
Jenny and Cory,
I'm praying for you, that you find comfort in the preparation of your hearts for the Christ child, knowing that your dad has met Jesus face to face.
Lori St John
December 5, 2008
Julie and Jenny,
It still does not seem possible that your dad is gone, I cant tell you how much I miss his daily visits or phone calls, he always came in with a big smile and something funny to say. It was nice to see such a huge gathering of people for the wake and funeral, it showed just how loved and respected he was. He was without a doubt the kindest man God ever placed on the face of the earth and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him, especially all of us who worked for him. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
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Dennis Jorgenson
December 5, 2008
The Smith Family
You have our deepest sympathy during this time of reflection. Our prayers with you in finding strength as you continue on in life. Rick will be missed by all who knew him.
Dennis and Lois Jorgenson
Nancy Kroells
December 2, 2008
Jenny, Corey & Family,
I'm really sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. May you find peace and comfort in your many happy memories.
Kathy Buck
December 2, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
maggie Trenary
December 2, 2008
Julie, Brett, Kaitlyn and Madelyn,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad and grandpa. I know how close you were to him and always talked about him as being a very kind man.
He is with our heavenly father and hopefully that will give you some comfort. You are in my prayers, Maggie Trenary
Lynn, Peter & Emily Giles
December 2, 2008
We are sending our love from afar on this day. You always know we are here for you anytime you need. I'll always remember your Dad doing his standing flips. Every time I think of them it makes me smile. Keep remembering the good times.
Rick & Janet (Sund) Ebert
December 1, 2008
To the entire Smith clan-
We're so sorry to hear of your tragic loss-it's hard to imagine Hamburg, NYA without him! Our prayers are with all of you!
Lowell and Dan Baumetz
December 1, 2008
Our thoughts are with your family at this time. Our first meeting was when he bought a Suzuki motorcycle from us in the early 1970's. We crossed paths again when we began selling gravel to the Mueller's. The Mueller Company was the most caring and honest we have ever worked with over the years. Rick will be sincerely missed by all who knew him. Triple B Farms, Lowell and Dan Baumetz and families
Bertha Jensen
December 1, 2008
Sorry for your sudden loss. My prayers are with you all.
Aaron & Jill Thiesfeld
December 1, 2008
Dear Jenny, Cory, and family,
We are so sorry to hear the news of your Dad's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers!
Raymond Kelzer
December 1, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Christina McKee
December 1, 2008
Julie and family, So sorry to hear of your loss, you are in my thughts and prayers.
Lucy Warren
December 1, 2008
Julie,
You and your family are in my prayers.
Jacci Miller
December 1, 2008
Julie and Family,
I was very sadened to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Linda Hoernemann & Joel Haag
December 1, 2008
Cory & Jenny,
So sorry to hear of your dads passing. It very difficult to lose a parent and really puts a damper on the Holidays. It will be very hard on the grandchildren too. At least they have great memories of a wonderful grandpa. Please let us know if you need anything. You will be in our prayers.
Cindy Kroells
November 30, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
May you draw comfort from God's promise of eternal life and the fact that we are always in His care.
May God comfort you in the days ahead.
Thinking of You.
Robin Aden
November 30, 2008
Julie & Family, Our prayers go out to you, Jenny and your families. We are thinking of you and wish we could be there. Hold close to the many wonderful memories and may they bring you peace.
Crystal Jewett
November 30, 2008
Julie, Brett and Girls
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know that your dad was a major part of you and your family's life. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. With Love, Crystal
Rick Panning
November 30, 2008
I just heard about Rick's death from my father. As a high school classmate of Rick's, my best memories were as 1st trumpet stand partners in high school. He had a great sense of humor, alot of talent and enjoyed life. Since there were two "Rick's" playing trumpet together, I will always remember how he called me "Panman". My younger daughter asked me if I had a nickname in high school, and my answer was that the one I remembered was how "trooper" referred to me. My thoughts are with Rick's family at this time.
Tom & Joyce (Panning) Willems
November 29, 2008
To the entire Smith Family, Our deepest sympathy. Trooper was known by so many as one of the kindest people on earth. He truly was a "trooper". He was our classmate and friend. May you find comfort knowing he is joining his loved ones that have prepared a place for him in heaven.
Dean and April Kamps & Family
November 29, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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218 Hill Street W, Norwood - Young America, MN 55368
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