Obituary of Roger E. Smith

Roger Eugene Smith was born August 7, 1929 to Russell Smith and Marian Johnson Smith in Spencer, Iowa. He grew up in Cedar Falls and Spencer, Iowa. Roger graduated from Spencer High School in 1948. As a young boy Roger spent most of his time as a farm hand working first for his Uncle Gus and Aunt Marge Johanson. Later he was fortunate enough to rent his own land and begin a career in farming. Roger had the honor of being selected Clay County Young Farmer of the year at one point. Following farming, Roger was employed with Peterson Sheep and Cattle in Spencer, and later worked for Farm Services in the lakes area and southern Minnesota. Roger was a member of the Terril United Methodist Church. In his free time Roger enjoyed: boating on Okoboji; bicycling; golfing; walking; snowmobiling; driving; traveling; and watching Minnesota Twins Baseball or car races on television. Roger was proud of his accomplishment of having visited all of the 50 states. Grateful for having shared his life are his daughters, Debra (Doug) Nelson of Wahpeton, IA and Candace (Jerry) Nelson of Spirit Lake, IA. Roger is also survived by five grandchildren, Angela (Ben) Dingel, LaCrosse, WI; Adam (Benita) Nelson, Lake Park, IA; Thad (Kristin) Nelson, San Diego, CA; Arin (Nick) Elser, Lake Park, IA; Josh (Melissa) Nelson, Spencer, Iowa. Roger was blessed with eight great-grandchildren; Grace, Cheyenne, Ellie, Gavin, Noah, Isabel, Elijah, and Jay. Roger is also survived by three sisters: Pat Seaton, Sioux Falls, SD; Peggy Egertson, Okoboji, IA; Janice Brugman, Hawkeye, IA. He is survived by one brother, David (Betty) Smith, Spencer, IA. A host of other relatives and friends will share fond memories of Roger. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers (Jim and Terry Smith); Brother-in-laws, (Robert Seaton, Robert Klein, Vern Egertson, and Keith Brugman). Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Deb and Ann's Restaurant (Former Milford Legion Club) for lunch following the service.