Robert A Smith

Robert Aaron Smith, age 96, of North Mankato, died Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Oak Terrace Assisted Living in North Mankato.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2010 at Mankato Mortuary with Rev. Jay Dahlvang, officiating. Burial will be in Kern's Oak Grove Cemetery, rural North Mankato in the spring. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour before service on Monday.

Robert was born May 15, 1913 to George H. and Emma M. (Enz) in rural North Mankato. He attended Kern's District #8 School. Robert was united in marriage to Ruth K. Kump on June 15, 1939 in Iowa, she died in April, 1979. Robert was united in marriage to Mildred Johnson Thomas on October 25, 1980, she died in April 2005. He was a lifelong farmer in Belgrade Township, Nicollet County. Robert also did carpentry work and had worked as a hired farmhand in his younger days, fondly remembering farming with horses. He was a lifetime member of Stern County Pioneer Days and a member of Le Sueur Pioneer Power. Robert enjoyed woodworking, restoring and showing antique gas engines, and driving his pony hitch.

Robert is survived by his four children, Duane (Marna) Smith of Anoka, MN; Arnold Smith of North Mankato; Ray (Ona) Smith of Nicollet; Marilyn (John) Biedscheid of Mankato; one daughter-in-law, Valerie Smith of North Mankato; step-children, Patricia (LeRoy) Mansson; Sheila Wacker; Janet and Marlan Pitts; Linda Thomas; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Wilma Smith; many nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by two wives; son, Del on February 28, 2009; infant son; four siblings, George, Maude, Ovald, Wade.