Obituary of Francis Smith

Francis W. (Jack) Smith, 98, of Burnsville MN passed away at the N.C. Little Memorial Hospice in Edina MN on September 23, 2019.

Jack was born on August 4, 1921, in Sewal IA, to Edward L. and Coral D. Smith. He graduated from Corydon IA High School in 1939 and attended the University of Iowa where he met Maxine Slaughter, the love of his life and wife of over 50 years.

Jack enlisted in the Navy in 1942. He and Maxine were married July 23, 1944 in Grand Mound IA, shortly before Jack sailed to the South Pacific. Lt. Smith served as the supply officer for the USS Bladen, an attack transport ship. During the next two years the Bladen participated in the campaigns of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and in port at Saipan, Guam, Tulagi, New Caledonia, the Philippines, Pearl Harbor and Japan.

After being discharged from the Navy, Jack completed his degree at the University of Iowa, taught high school in Selma IA for one year and then moved to Keokuk IA in 1948 to accept a purchasing position with Hoerner Boxes Inc. Jack and Maxine resided in Keokuk until 1968 when Hoerner Boxes merged with Waldorf Paper Co. and Jack was transferred to St. Paul Minnesota. Jack retired from the successor company Champion International as Vice-President, Administration and Purchasing, in 1985 after 38 years of service.

In retirement Jack and Maxine spent many happy and rewarding days with family and friends at their lake cabin in Minnesota and spent winters at their condo in Florida. Jack especially enjoyed his three children, six grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. For many years Jack also enjoyed the special companionship of his dog, Ethel.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, wife Maxine, brother Lee and his wife Opal and nephew Roger. He is survived by his children Steve (Nancy), Patti Stevens (Wayne) and Jim (Bonnie), grandchildren Libby Smith, Katie Dillow (Chuck), Ann Williams (Matt), Joe Stevens (Annie), Emily Thomson (Jon), Mark Smith (Becky), step grandchild Jeff Bennett, great grandchildren Sophia, Maia, Cora, Hunter, Holton, Julia, Abbie, Olivia, Sam, Luella, Mason, Avery and niece Sally Manhard (Elgin).

Jack requested there be no public service. He will be interred at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis MN. Memorials may be made to N.C. Little Memorial Hospice, 7019 Lynmar Lane, Edina MN 55435.