Richard Martin "Dick" Smith

Richard (Dick) Martin Smith of Lakeville, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 2, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born in Brookings, SD on October 11, 1935 to Martin and Alice Smith. Richard graduated from Brookings (SD) High School, attended Moler Barber School (Fargo, ND), Augustana College (Sioux Falls, SD), and Luther Seminary, (St. Paul).

His first vocation was as a barber. Dick recently reflected on how much he enjoyed meeting all the men who trusted him to give them a good cut. Barbering throughout his educational years allowed him to attend college and seminary.

After a brief courtship, he married Shirley Myra Pederson in 1963. Together, they raised three children and shared 61 years of marriage.

Dick served congregations in Delmont, SD; Gaylord, MN; Little Falls, MN; and Duluth, MN. He once said that ministry was such a rewarding vocation because he had the privilege of not only preaching and teaching, but of being with people in important moments of their lives.

Dick enjoyed spending summers at the cabin he helped build, golfing, playing cribbage, a good cup of coffee, and simply being with his family.

Dick is survived by son Andy (Paula), daughters Sally (Dan) and Pam (Greg); grandchildren Joniqua, Sean (Sonia), Siri (Jake), Anja (Kilen), Ambrique (Robert), Elias (Levi), Peder (Pilar), Ashley (Doug), Jordan; step-grandchildren Will, Jamie, CeCe, and Michael; great grandchildren: Isaac, Myla, Sean Jr., Jaylee, Makai, Freya; sisters-in-law, Darla, Marcia, Elaine, and brother-in-law Jack (Jackie),

Services will be held on March 10, 2026, 11am at St. John's Lutheran Church, 20165 Heath Ave., Lakeville, MN 55044. Memorial visitation one hour prior to the service from 10-11am at church. Lunch following service. Memorials preferred to Lutheran World Relief or the MS Society.