Obituary of Daniel Herschel Smith

Daniel Herschel Smith

Daniel Herschel Smith, 85, a Lakewood Township resident, passed away Saturday, October 27th at the hospice unit at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, MN. Dan was born June 7th 1933, in Boise, Idaho to Daniel and Lyda Smith. Dan was very proud of being able to serve his country for four years in the U.S. Navy. While his ship was in Alameda, CA for repairs, he met his future wife, Gretchen, who was on vacation from Minnesota. After many, many letters back & forth, they were married when Dan finished his years in the service. Dan and Gretchen were married in Two Harbors, MN, and lived there for several years before moving here to Duluth. He owned and ran the Sportsmens Barber Shop, as well as working and retiring from the St. Louis County Sheriff's Department. After retirement, he began Smith's Saddlery, and made a vast amount of beautiful saddles, braided leather reins, along with other horse tack. He loved to "jam", with his friends and play Old Country and Bluegrass tunes at Sir. Ben's., being exceptionally talented with the mandolin. Dan was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Dick and Darrell; sisters Wilma and Ruth. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 62 amazing years, Gretchen, his children; Chris(Linda) of Maricopa, AZ, and Andy of Duluth, MN; grandchildren, Matt(Erin) of Lakewood, CO, Dani, Austin and Nik, all of Duluth, MN; great-grandchildren Jack, Boston and Alek, of Lakewood, CO; his brother Oliver(Carol), of Boise, ID; many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. By Dan's request there will be no funeral, but at a later date, have his ashes scattered at the "prairie" north of Boise, ID, where he grew up. Dan's family very much appreciated all the special care he received at Lakeshore and St. Luke's Hospital.