John Smoltz

John Joseph Smoltz, 89, of St. Charles, MN, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Whitewater Health Services, in St. Charles.

John Smoltz was born in Keewatin, MN, on September 7, 1936. He was the third child (first son) born to Gladys Pratt and John Smoltz, Sr. When he was young, his family moved to Hibbing where his dad owned a construction company. As a young boy he was always involved in some sport. He graduated in 1954. For a year he attended UMD. He was undecided about school so he enlisted in the Navy for two years. When discharged from the Navy, he enrolled in college again and graduated from Bemidji State University in June 1962. While at a dance he met his future wife, Lois Dilla and they married after graduation. To this union they had 4 children, Terry (Nancy), Sherri, Chris (Vicky) and Tammi (Trent). His first teaching job was at Wayland Michigan. After one year there he went back to get his Master’s Degree at Bemidji State. His next job was teaching at St. Charles where he remained throughout his years of teaching. He taught social studies and was involved in football and track. He loved kids and all sports. He was involved in their children’s store - Lil’ Rascals and creating and selling crafts with his wife. He also helped her with the operation of selling canned goods at the Farmer’s Markets in later years.

He belonged to the J.C’s, Lions where he held many offices, St. Charles Moose Lodge, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

John is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren Cody, Brooklynn, Sampson, Karissa, Kayla, Bella, Gabe, Emmalie, seven great-grandkids and sister, Margie Heffneider.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Gladys Klaysmat (George), and Dorothy Pocrnich (Dave), sister-in-law Bette Dilla, brother-in-law Hef Heffneider, in-laws Rose and Brian Dilla, granddaughter Tawnee Nelson, nephews Todd Dilla and Graham Nelson.

Please direct memorials to the St. Charles Foundation for Academic Scholarship, Hospice Service or donor’s choice.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 3 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Hoff Funeral Home in St. Charles, 519 St. Martin Ave. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 4 at 12pm at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1900 E 6th St. with a visitation one hour prior. Military Honors will be presented by American Legion Hugh Watson Post 190 and VFW Post 5630 following the funeral service at church. Burial will be at a later date at Preston Veterans Cemetery.

Service will be livestreamed. Please follow the link below to watch remotely.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1OTAxNDAzNTM4MjI0NCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==