Leonard G. Smith, 90, a former lifelong resident of Cloquet, Minn., and most recently of Superior, Wis., died peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, in St. Luke's Hospice, Duluth, Minn. He was surrounded by his family, who were gathered together by his first grandchild, David, who made sure he was never alone during this time. Leonard was born Dec. 28, 1917, in Cloquet to Laura (Couture) and Hugh Smith. During the mid-1930s Leonard worked in northern Minnesota with the Civilian Conservation Corp to enable him to financially help his family. Leonard was a United States Army veteran of World War II having served from October 1943 until February 1946. He was an auto mechanic most of his life and had owned and operated the Skelly Gas Station in Cloquet. Leonard had a passion for hunting, fishing, golfing and reading. He had a great love for animals and his daughter, Sue's dog, "Aggie" adored him. He was the recipient of many trophies for training Labradors for hunting. Leonard was a self taught guitar player and was a talented artist in drawing and carving. He was a great teacher of a variety of many things to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents, and siblings, Richard, Wayne, Floyd, Arthur, Hugh "Babe," and Charlotte.
He is remembered by his loving wife of 67 years, the former Mildred Johnson; his son, Michael (Isabelle) Smith of Cloquet; his daughter, Sue (Paul) Ashley of Superior; grandchildren, David (Sheri) Smith, Paul (Sandy) Smith and Nette (Dean) Cicchi; great-grandchildren, Jessica, Michael, Jacob, Kate, Mia, Nicholas and Livia; and a sister, Margaret Blair.
Visitation will was held Monday, Nov. 17, from noon until the 1 p.m. memorial service in Downs Funeral Home, Superior. Chaplain Stephen Wlosinski of St. Luke's Hospital officiated. Military honors were accorded by the Combined Thomas F. Stein V.F.W. Post 1091 and the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post 435 Honor Guard.
Arrangements by Downs Funeral Home, 715-394-7746, Superior, Wis.
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November 20, 2008 ~ Pine Journal, Cloquet, Minn.
