Charles J. Smith

Charles J. Smith, “Charlie”, was 90 years old when he passed away at St Anthony Park Home on June 17, 2025, where he had lived for the past year.

He is survived by his wife, Myrna, and their English Springer Spaniel dog, Ava, several relatives, and many many friends.

He was a veterinarian and a dog lover. Before Ava, he was rescued by Max, another Springer. Over the years, he was blessed with many other dogs: first Bonnie the bloodhound, then with eight English setter hunting dogs—Susie, Elsa, Gandalf, Olaf, Per, Max, Sam, and Gus.

He joined the Air Force as a teenager and spent four years at a remote site in Turkey. Returning, he graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, and afterwards joined the Army as an officer during Vietnam. Later, he was director of Washington state pathology lab, then came back to Minnesota to earn a PhD in microbiology. He often helped colleagues in their professional veterinary practices, mainly tending to dogs.

Charlie always had a ready smile! He was truly fond of living in the St Anthony Park community and near the University of Minnesota campus. He loved dogs, reading, dark chocolate, cooking, beekeeping, saunas, conversation and food with his many friends, and bird hunting with friends and dogs. He cherished his maternal German heritage and often recalled his Norwegian grandmother’s delicious cooking. He was a voracious reader of non-fiction and, even in the last few months of life, he was reading several books a week. He was very proud of Myrna’s avid interest in Scandinavian runic studies and Viking era archaeology, and together they have been keen supporters of Sweden’s Uppsala University and the American Association for Runic Studies.

Unable to care for himself, he was most grateful for the kind and caring help of the St Anthony Park Home staff—above all, Almaz. He and Myrna were also appreciative of HealthPartners Hospice staff—especially Andrea, Ann, and Jesus—who provided additional compassionate care during his last weeks and days of life.

Charlie was laid to rest at Fort Snelling, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, the Animal Humane Society, the St Anthony Park Senior Program, Norway House, or the American Swedish Institute.

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