Ronald Smith

Minot

Ronald Duane “Ron” Smith, 75, Minot, died on Saturday, November 16, 2024 in a Garrison Nursing Care Center.

Ron was born on December 9, 1948 as a twin-son to Raymond and Ramona (Swartwout) Smith in Minot, North Dakota. He was raised and educated at Deering and graduated from Deering High School in 1966.

Ron honorably served his country with the U.S Army by serving during the Vietnam War Era in Korea from 1969 until 1971. He returned to North Dakota for a short time and then moved to Washington state and worked for Snohomish Amusement as an electronic technician.

Ron returned to North Dakota and was united in marriage to Valerie Larson on October 16, 1982. They made their home in Minot, where they owned and operated Magic City Vending. Later he was employed with Sears as an appliance repairman, Granite Springs, and IMM. The couple were blessed with 2 sons.

Ron was a member of the local Teamster’s Union and former member of the Minot Elks. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cheering for his beloved UND Fighting Sioux Hockey, and NDSU Football teams. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

His loving family includes: wife of 42 years, Valerie; sons, Dustin (Jolene), Minot and Shawn of Minot; 3 grandchildren to include: Olivia, Everett and Iver; siblings, Steve (Carol) Smith, Minot; Pamela Forness and her friend, Rick Turner, Poulsbo, WA; Lori (Ronald) Heinze, Surrey; Sister in law, Diana Jean Larson, Minot and several nieces, nephews and cousins, with a special niece he thought of as a daughter, Monica March (Donny) of Minneapolis, MN.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; twin-brother, Don; uncle, who was like a brother, LaVern Swartwout, father and mother-in-law, Allen O. and Shirley Larson, and brother-in-law, Sheldon Larson.

Celebration of Life service: Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot. A livestream of the service can be viewed by going to his obituary page at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Visitation: Wednesday, November 20th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Interment: Friday, November 22nd at 2:00 p.m. in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan with Military honors accorded by the Army National Guard and Mandan Legion.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Wounded Warriors Project or an organization of the donor’s choice.

Published by The Minot Daily News, November 20, 2024.