Roger Eugene Smith

Roger Eugene Smith obituary, Portland, ND

Roger Eugene Smith

Roger Smith Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ballard Funeral Home on Oct. 31, 2025.
Roger Eugene Smith, 89, of Cody, passed away on October 22, 2025.

Roger was born on February 26, 1936 He was born two weeks prematurely in his grandparent's home outside of Fryburg, ND. Roger started his life's journey when at three years of age his family moved to a farm in rural Portland, ND. Roger attended his first 8 years of school at Roosevelt #3 School outside of Portland. Roger went on to graduate High School from Mayville High School.

He joined the United States Army after graduation and served for 3 years, 2 of those in Germany. Roger then returned to Portland where he met his future wife, Judith Ihnken, in 1958 and they married in 1960.

Randy, their first child, was born in 1961 followed by Blake in 1964 and Harrold in 1969.

Roger worked for his father-in-law, Harry Ihnken, learning the electrical trade. He went on to obtain his Journeyman then his Master electrical license. Roger's family lived several places, including Grand Forks, Phoenix, and eventually went back to Portland where he started his own electrical business, Smith Electric. Roger retired from the electrical trade and worked at several other jobs including a tree moving business and as a substitute rural mail carrier. He retired from the USPS at the age of 67. Roger and Judy moved to Arizona where they lived until relocating to Cody, WY in 2023 to be closer to their son, Blake

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Alvina Smith, son Randy Smith and son Harry Smith. He is survived by wife, Judith Smith, son Blake Smith, 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in Mayville, North Dakota at Baker Funeral Home at 10:00 AM, Saturday November 15, 2025. Cremation services have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home of Cody, WY.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Ballard Funeral Home

636 19th Street PO Box 2136, Cody, WY 82414-2136

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