Richard F. Smith, age 87, of Duluth, MN, died on June 26, 2025.  Rich was born on December 9, 1937, in Duluth, to Arthur and Rose Smith.  He grew up in Duluth, graduating from St. Jean’s Catholic School.  After high school, he met and fell in love with Joan Thorson.  In 1962, they were wed forming a partnership for life.  They had three children, and nurtured a number of foster children as well.  Following in the footsteps of his father, Rich become a carpenter.  For decades he was the treasurer for the Duluth Local Carpenters’ Union.  Rich was involved with numerous Masonic organizations and was an active member at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church having served on the council and various committees.  For twenty-one years, Joan and Rich answered the call to foster children in need.  Rich deeply touched many lives with his devotion and gentle, quiet ways.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Arthur (Smit) Smith, John (Jay) Smith, his sister, Clarice (Sis) Veech, and his wife of fifty-nine years, Joan Smith. Survivors include son, Steven Smith of Forest City, IA, daughters Kathryn (John) Sawyer of Duluth, Janelle (Aaron) Ehrenstrom of Cottage Grove, MN, Nicole (Erik) Modeen of Superior WI, Kim (Dave) Olson of Wentzville, MO, and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Service at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 4831 Grand Ave, Duluth on Thursday, July 3, 2025 with a luncheon to follow.