Timothy “Tim” Michael Smith

Obituary

Timothy “Tim” Michael Smith was born on December 31, 1950, in Benson, Minnesota. He was the son of Francis and Shirley Smith. He was baptized as an infant on June 12, 1951, and later was confirmed in his faith as a youth on May 14, 1967, both at Pilgrim Congregational United Church in Benson, Minnesota. During his childhood he was an active 4-H member and built a strong love and concern for the community. All his life he was a loyal reader of all Swift and Chippewa County News. Tim received his education in the Benson area, graduating with the Benson High School Class of 1969. He furthered his education by attending Willmar Junior College and the University of Minnesota where he was active in the University Marching Band playing his tuba. He later attended Ridgewater College and attained an Associate of Arts Degree.

On August 4, 1973, Tim was united in marriage to Janice “Jan” Peterson at Tripolis Lutheran Church, in rural Kandiyohi, Minnesota. Tim and Jan made their home in Hutchinson and Lester Prairie, Minnesota sharing over 46 years of marriage together. During the early years they enjoyed many theater and music productions. He always encouraged, supported and made it possible for Jan to fulfill her life-long dream in the field of educating children and supporting families. They made many memories with friends in their new communities while maintaining strong connections with friends and families from the past.

Their life was blessed with four children, Dana, Cheryl, Amy and Jacob. He provided the extra encouragement and determination to adopt his children, always reminding them that they were truly chosen children and loved unconditionally by Jan and him. He found the special uniqueness in each child and encouraged them to find their strengths and just do their best every day. He taught them a wonderful sense of humor. He was not afraid to help the children by curling hair, putting on nail polish, sharing his tools, teaching how to fix cars, and many other skills even when he may not really have known how to do it. Nevertheless, he was very patient through this process and was never afraid to go to a computer and look up answers.

Grandchildren were another highlight in Tim’s life. He felt it was a gift to have them close by and to be able to help care for them, support them, and spoil them. He made the best mac and cheese, provided way too much candy and pop, and watched whatever children’s movies they desired, over and over without a single complaint. As the children grew older, he shared his early interests teaching them about his past and about how to value the simple things in life.

Tim’s most recent employment was at Wells Fargo Bank in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and HTI in Hutchinson, Minnesota. After retirement he stayed home and was a loving caretaker to his family. Tim was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson and then Bethel Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. As his ministry to the church, he proudly served as their choir director, on the church council and as past deacon and church president. Tim also was a past member of the Lester Prairie Lions.

Tim passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2020, at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the age of 69 years and 26 days.

Blessed be his memory.

Tim is survived by his:
Wife, Janice “Jan” Smith of Lester Prairie, MN;
Daughters, Dana Smith of Lester Prairie, MN,
Cheryl Smith of Lester Prairie, MN,
Amy Smith of Lester Prairie, MN;
Son, Jacob Smith of Lester Prairie, MN;
Grandchildren, Sarah Govig and her husband, Evan, Cameron Bolf, Hannah Smith, Dean Smith, Abigail Cartwright;
Mother, Shirley Smith;
Sister, Becky Smith;
Brother, Ron Smith;
Mother-In-Law, Ila Peterson of Willmar, MN;
Brothers-In-Law & Sisters-In-Law, Marlys Gustafson and her husband, Tom, of Willmar, MN,
Carolyn Elliot and her husband, Doug, of Waconia, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, Other relatives and many friends.

Tim is preceded in death by his Father, Francis A. Smith; Sister, Linda Smith; Father-In-Law, Myron Peterson.

Memorials preferred.