John Richard Smith Jr.

Come join us to celebrate and grieve the passing of John Richard Smith Jr. of Clayton, Wisconsin. Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Born in Minneapolis, MN on July 16th 1947, proceeded in death by parents Jack and Bernice Smith of Minneapolis. John was also proceeded by several half siblings as well as Ora Titus and Helen McKenna.

John worked as a machine repairman at Honeywell for many years where he made many loyal friends and touched so many with his brilliant sense of humor. A Jack of all trades he could fix anything and he was a wealth of wisdom and insight.

John raised Matt Smith and Jen Eastman in Northeast Minneapolis with his wife Janet. 6 foot 4 and always wearing steel toe boots and riding his Harley Davidson, not many dared to mess with the old man but under it all he had a soft heart and was reliable and consistent. A gun enthusiast and American patriot he was not afraid to speak his mind.

He retired with Janet in 2001 and bought a 30 acre hobby farm in Clayton, WI so that she could have horses and enjoy country life. Jan and John just celebrated 55 years of marriage on Dec 5th, 2025.

Survived by Janet Smith wife, son Matthew, daughter Jenny, daughter in law Janelle, sister Judy, and 6 grandchildren: Jack and Vaughn Holzersmith, Ava Eastman , Heather Holzersmith, Noelle Eastman, Isabelle Eastman. Sister in laws Kathy Bruner Letson , Rosie Stener, Suzy Lindholm , Jeannie Bruner, and Sheri Rasmussen.

John will be missed and will always be loved. Funeral will be held on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at Washburn McReavy at Hillside Cemetery 2600 19th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. Visitation at 10am-11am and funeral service at 11am. Lunch to follow. At same location.