David Smette

David Henry Smette passed away while on vacation exploring Utah on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 82 years old. 

David was born March 18, 1942, in Rugby, ND, to Henry and Katherine (Stevenson) Smette. He was raised on the old family farm where he graduated from Upham, ND. He married Claudette J. Oppen June 15, 1968 at the First Lutheran Church at Rugby, ND. They lived in Dugway, UT while David was serving in the US Army. He graduated with a Masters degree in science from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 1974 and a doctorate in Education from the University of ND in 1979. He served as school superintendent at Hazen and Dickinson, ND until 1990. He earned the Executive Educator award in 1986 and Superintendent of the year award in 1988. During these years he loved returning to the old farm doing some “relaxing” hobby farming. They moved to Menomonie Wisconsin where he earned the Excellence in education award in 1992. He returned to Jamestown North Dakota in 2003 and retired a few years later. He received Outstanding Citizen of the year award from the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce in 2017. 

David enjoyed riding horse and going camping with his daughter; fishing and the companionship of Sharon; or just out exploring by himself. 

David had been greatly involved in the community in Jamestown over the past 20 years: He has loved being involved in Rotary since 1990. He was the Rotary District Governor in 2013-2014, Chapter President, hosting several youth exchange students (many of whom he still communicated with), and taking several trips around the world with Rotary developing areas in need. He was in the Choralaires, a member of the Jamestown Dollars for Scholars, Jamestown Chamber of Commerce’s Ag/Energy Committee, a member of JRMC Foundations, Jamestown Community Foundations. He served as a Board of Director for the Chamber of Commerce, and Tourism Board of directors. He also helped with the Red Cross, Jamestown Rodeo club, SCORE, Ann Carlson and volunteered at the JRMC surgical center. 

David is survived by his sister Della Wagar; two daughters Candace (Derek) Howe, Pamela Smette; his companion Sharon Oppen; Grandchildren Melissa Smette, Marie Howe, and Seth Howe, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Claudette, grandson (Ethan), and his parents. 

In Lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to HAV-IT. CLICK HERE– a service that helps Pam and Missy where they both reside in Harvey, ND.

The recording of the funeral can be viewed on the Church's Facebook page- CLICK HERE