William "Bill" Smith

William (Bill) Charles Smith

January 5, 1943 – September 19, 2025

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, William (Bill) Charles Smith, age 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on September 19, 2025.

Bill was born on January 5, 1943, in Wadena, Minnesota, to Bert and Christine (Bergstrom) Smith. He was raised on the family farm near Oylen, Minnesota—a place that remained his favorite and most cherished spot throughout his life.

He graduated from Staples High School in 1961 and went on to attend Staples Area Vocational Technical Institute (AVTI), where he studied welding and earned his certificate. Around that time, fate brought him together with Sandra Powell, and on September 5, 1970, he married the love of his life, Sandra Louise Powell, at Methodist Church in Big Falls Minnesota. Bill was very active in the community with the Leader Lions, serving on the Township board and others.

Bill and Sandy built their life together in the Staples area, living on the original homestead of Bill’s great-grandfather, W.E. Smith, who settled there in the 1891. Bill worked at Homecrest for 30 years.

A true outdoorsman, Bill loved hunting, fishing, working outside, and spending time with his dogs. His deep appreciation for nature and rural life was matched only by his devotion to his family. He was a proud and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, always passing down his knowledge, stories, and passion for the outdoors. He never missed a game, concert, or school event and was always there with a smile, a story, and unconditional support.

Throughout his life, his love for the family farm, his family, and nature never wavered. Bill was a loyal neighbor, a dependable friend, and if you lent him an ear, he was going to bend it. He had the natural ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and make a friend anywhere.

Bill’s legacy lives on in the love he gave, the stories he shared, and the values he instilled in his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; son Mike Smith of Frazee; daughter Shelly (Gil) Miller of Staples, MN; and Brian (Heidi) Smith of Staples; grandchildren Christina (Scott) Bacon, Ashley (Josh) Ruzicka, Kaitlyn Smith, Eli Smith, Jeremy (Tori) Miller, Mathew Miller, and Kevin (Sam) Miller; Nicole (Bill) Holt; and eight great-grandchildren: Alice and Jameson Miller, Jackson Bacon, Sonora Miller, Stella Miller and Colton, Carter and Charlene Holt. He is also survived by his sister Betty Smith and many other extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Christine Smith.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 26th at 11:00 a.m. at Thomastown Covenant Church in Staples, Minnesota.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 25th from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Thomastown Covenant Church in Staples, Minnesota.