Ronald Smith

Funeral Mass for Ronald J. Smith of Dickinson will be 10:00 a. m. , Friday, June 19, 2009 at St. Joseph?s Catholic Church with Father Keith Streifel celebrating. Military Rites will be presented by the Dickinson Honor Guard with burial following at St. Joseph?s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. Thursday, June 18, 2009 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, with rosary and vigil service taking place at 7:00 p. m. Ron passed away Saturday, June 13, 2009 at St. Alexius Medical Center after a brief battle with an aggressive cancer. Ronald Joseph Smith was born August 16, 1943 in Dickinson, ND to Albert and Elizabeth (Koffler) Smith. He attended St. Joseph?s grade school in Dickinson. At the age of 12, he helped at the Scheeler?s Grocery Store. During his high school years, he worked at the Briquette Plant southwest of Dickinson. Shortly after graduation from Dickinson High, Ron was drafted into the US Army and he served a tour in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Dickinson, where he continued to work at the Briquette Plant. On August 31, 1967, Ron and Lyla Aman were united in marriage at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Richardton, ND. The couple made their home and raised their family in Dickinson. After the closure of the briquette plant in 1990, Ron began home delivery for Cass Clay, he then began employment with Dickinson High School in 1999, as custodian. Ron enjoyed gardening, cooking, grilling and especially eating. He was a huge Vikings fan and loved to gamble, gamble, gamble. He also enjoyed many outdoor activities such as hunting, camping, skiing, and rollerblading. Ron was comfortable wearing his Hawaiian shirt and shorts which made him easy to find in a crowd. Ron had a very adventurous spirit and would try anything once. He helped many of his elderly neighbors in any way he could. Ron donated countless hours to St. Patrick?s school, especially during the lunch hour. Ron is survived by his wife; Lyla, Dickinson, ND; son, Luke Smith, Richmond, MN; daughter, Rhonda Smith, Dickinson, ND and a grandson, Wesley Booke, Dickinson, ND; brothers, Albert Jr. , Dickinson, ND, Daniel (Deloris) Smith and Jim (Shirley) Smith, both of Grand Forks, ND, Marvin (Desi) Smith, Dickinson, ND; sisters, Marjorie (Don ?Bud?) Jacobson, Springfield, OR, Janice Wojick, Cottage Grove, OR, Jeanie Thompson, Fargo, ND, Lucille (Neal) Williams, Kearns, TX, Vivian Trittinger, Fargo, ND and Leila Tucker, Powell, WY and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mae Marie Helgerson. Family suggests all memorials be sent to the VFW. In honoring Ron?s wishes, the family asks that all willing friends and participants please wear Hawaiian or casual clothing to his services.


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Burial Date: June 19, 2009
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Mass: Friday, St. Joesph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, ND