Lawrence Smith

Lawrence Smith, 89, of Motley, died April 14, 2019, at Lakewood Health System Care Center in Staples. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be April 17, 11 a.m. at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Motley with Fr. Gabriel Walz officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Interment will be at St. James Cemetery in Philbrook.

Lawrence was born to John and Mary (Macho) Smith on March 20, 1930 on the family farm located next to St. James Cemetery in Philbrook. The family moved to the  current family farm in 1930. Lawrence served in the U.S. Army prior to Korea. He married Iona Hales Feb. 5, 1951 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples. Lawrence worked in logging, driving his own log truck. He farmed all his life, ran a sawmill for business and pleasure, had dairy cows, then beef cows and hogs. He loved to ride his 4-wheeler and pick mushrooms. On April 21, 1980, the Philbrook fire came through and wiped out the Smith farm. This type of loss would have destroyed a lesser man. Determined, Lawrence and Iona completely started over at the age of 50. He started taking flying instructions from Russ Lee in 1972 and enjoyed flying his own plane until the age of 82. Lawrence was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, Motley American Legion, Fawn Lake Town Board, School Board member of Philbrook Country School and was active at St. Michaels Catholic Church as an usher.

Lawrence is survived by his wife; four sons, Roger Smith of Motley, LeRoy (Carolyn) Smith of Motley,  David Smith of Motley, Mark (Lori) Smith of Motley; one daughter, Gloria (Mark) Campbell of Motley; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Lorraine Kveton-Buhl and Marion Scheper Link and one brother, Bill (Sheila) Smith; one son, Gary, Sept. 9, 1999; one grandson, Jesse Lee Smith in 2004.

Arrangments by Brenny Family Funeral Chapel.

           w16c  A00006B2019APR17

Advertising Deadlines

Deadline for advertisements and copy is Friday, noon.

Staples World

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 Staples, MN 56479 Telephone: (218) 894-1112 - Fax: (218) 894-3570 Toll Free: 1-888-894-1112 E Mail: office@staplesworld.com; editor@staplesworld.com

Deadline: Friday, noon

 

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Breaking News feed