Robert Smith

Robert Smith, age 92, passed away at St. Mary's Hospital on Thursday October 2, 2025. Other than his last 36 hours, Robert lived independently and on his own terms. With longevity running in his family, Robert always said he would live until 100, and it's one of only a few things he didn't accomplish in his long life. Always an early riser, he died in the morning while drinking coffee and watching the Rodeo Channel, a favorite. Those who knew him, figure his last thoughts were, "I bet they'll release me today."
Bob was born at home on February 20, 1933, in Kimball, SD to John and Ella (Hurst) Smith. He was the youngest of seven children and attended a one-room schoolhouse. Bob had a horse named "Baldy" that he was very close to and rode to school. Ginger was his beloved dog, while he grew up on the family farm before moving as a young boy to Mitchell, SD. With the difficult depression times for his family- Bob was about 5 years old and was sent to his sister Mildred and her husband Hank in the Black Hills for a short time, where Hank would take him on the winding canyon roads to Deadwood SD.
He served our country in the United States Army entering service at 17 years old and was a paratrooper in the 511th Airborne Infantry in the Korean War and a life member of the 187th Airborne-Rakkasans. Robert was the recipient of Purple Heart when he was wounded in action just five days prior to his 18th birthday. He also received; the Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Gliden Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medical W/4 Bronze Stars, and 1 Bronze Arrowhead. Later, he would recount the one day during the war when he and a young Chinese soldier came upon each other, and let each other go. He took great pride in his service and decades later had to obtain a certificate of live birth since he lacked the proper documentation to obtain a passport that he would need to travel overseas for events in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Korean conflict.
He married Joyce Carlson on September 21, 1955 and raised a family while living in Chicago and on farmland in Harvard, IL and Poplar Grove, IL. Bob worked as an electrician at O'Hare airport, and in later years owned and operated Mayday Electric. He also raised Black Angus cattle and an assortment of ducks, chickens and turkeys. With a life-long interest in conservation, Robert helped the state of Wisconsin to plant hundreds of trees and wildflowers on his farm in Platteville, WI. During his retirement years he became an accomplished potter.
The family would like to send a special thank you to his friends in Platteville for the daily phone calls, rides, coffee time, and amazing birthday parties.
Robert is survived by his daughter; Debra (Richard) Leverton of Lena, IL and son; Steven Smith of Poplar Grove, IL. four grandchildren; Kendyl (Ryan) Washatka, Haeley Leverton, Dylan (Samia) Leverton and Louis Smith, great-granddaughter; Bexley Washatka, and step-great grandchildren/great-great grandchildren; Salem (Ethan) Riffle w/their children; Shepherd and Hollis, Caden and Wyatt Washatka and his beloved kitty cat.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Art, John and Ray; Sisters: Mildred, Margie and Dorothy.
A graveside military service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday October 18, 2025, at Silent Hill Cemetery. There will be a time for friend's to visit from 10:30 until time of service.
Luncheon will follow the service at the Lena Brewing Company.
A memorial has been established in his name.
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