To view the flowers from Rodney’s service click here: Rodney Smith Flowers
Rodney G. Smith, 85, Minot, died Wednesday, April 27, 2022, in a Minot hospital.
Rodney G Smith was born June 29, 1936, in Minot, North Dakota, the son of Merle and Mathilda (Simmons) Smith. He was raised on the family farm in McHenry County outside of the town of Deering. He attended school in Deering. He enlisted with the U.S. Navy on April 1, 1954, and attended boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center before being transferred to Norfolk, VA. He honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict on the U.S.S. Trathen throughout Asian ports. Upon completing his service, he was transferred to Long Beach, CA, and honorably discharged in April of 1957.
Rodney returned to North Dakota and was united in marriage to MaryAnn Kongslie on December 28, 1957, in Upham, ND. They made their home in Minot, where they raised their three sons, Kevin, Bradley, and Brent. He was employed throughout the years as a machinist with the Great Northern Railroad, later Burlington Northern, for more than 42 years. He retired in 1998. For a time, he worked for Dakota Plate and Glass and then at Wildwood Golf Course as a groundskeeper.
Rodney was a member of the Minot Eagles Lodge, American Legion, and I.A.M. of the Great Northern Railway and had donated to countless charities and organizations throughout the years. He was an avid pool player and a golfer who won several state and local Chili cookoffs and served on the board of his local condo association. He was a known country crooner by his family and friends at festive gatherings.
His loving family includes his wife of 64 years, Mary Ann; sons, Kevin (Charlotte Aberle) Bradley Smith and Brent (Rebecca) Smith; grandchildren include, Davin Smith, Annaka (Chris) Drouin, Collin Smith, Jared Smith (Vanessa Kraft), Gavin Smith and Allen Smith; great-granddaughter, Ellasyn Louise Drouin; sister-in-law, Marva Dean Smith Brother in law Dale (Shirley) Kongslie and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents Merle & Matilda, siblings, Melvin “Bud” (Mim) Smith, Raymond (Nonie) Smith, Omar (Betty) Smith, Curt Smith, Duane (Gerry) Smith, Irma (Orville) Kitzman, Lorraine (Hollis) Grilley, Justine (Pat) Pfeiffer, Vera (Pete) Peterson and infant sister, Audrey, father- and mother-in-law Reuben and Alice Kongslie, special family friend Tracey Arne.
Celebration of Life: Will be held May 21st from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel in the Exhibition room in Minot, ND.
Graveside service: 23rd of May at 1:00 p.m. in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Rural Mandan, with military honors accorded by the U.S. Navy and Mandan Veterans of Foreign War.
Visitation: At his request, there will not be a viewing, however friends may sign a memorial register book on 22nd of May from noon to 2:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred to N.D. Veterans Cemetery or an organization of the donor’s choice.
