Obituary of John Thomas Smith

John Thomas Smith passed away on April 2, 2018 due to numerous health complications. John was born to Donald E. & Janice S. (Christensen) Smith on Sept. 14, 1943 in Cass Lake, MN. Janice later married Alvin "Buck" Morganson he became father to John and sister Rebecca. John grew up in Lake George, MN, joined the Navy in May 1962. After his 3 year stint during which he was involved in the Cuban Crisis, he returned to Bemidji, MN. He went to work at NuPly and later moved to the Minneapolis area where he worked various jobs. He worked for the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant for 25 years before moving to Faribault and worked for the MN DOC for 12 years. He earned his trade as a Boiler Engineer in the Navy and spent his life at that trade, retiring as a Chief A Engineer. John retired at age 64 following a heart attack. He chose to stay retired and enjoy each day not having to figure out what shift he was scheduled on. John was a lifetime member of the VFW and member of the Elks in Faribault He married Kathryn M. Guishard Harstad, Sept. 24, 1971. He adopted her daughter, Tanya K. Harstad and later Tanya's son, Dustin J. Smith. John was always supportive and involved in his wife's activities which involved organizing and leading various groups and community events she coordinated. They were always together. They enjoyed meals out, family vacations at the lake, some travel time and especially time spent with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn of 46 ½ years, son Dustin Smith, Faribault, (and special friend, Mariah Tiggs), granddaughter Adriana Marie Smith Cusinato & Fiancé' Ever Quaglia of Argentina. sister, Rebecca (David) Christianson, niece Sara (Jordan) Anderson, great niece Sedona Christianson, (and special friend Tristian McMahon), great nephew Colytn Anderson all of the Fargo, N.D. area, nephew Daniel (Pam) Christianson, Cascade, MT., uncle Phil Christensen, Cass Lake, MN and aunt Mayabelle Morganson, Bemidji, MN. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tanya, grandson, Justin, parents, and grandparents and in laws Edward J. & Emily V. Guishard. Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Kabekona Community Church, 23966 Old Cemetary Road, LaPorte, MN 56461. Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service. The last month John spent time at District One Hospital, and 5 days at St. Lucas Care Center under Hospice. Our family thanks all staff involved for the wonderful care given to John. Bless All Of You.