Jerry Dean Smith

Jerry Dean Smith, age 72 of Palisade died Saturday December 7, 2019 at the Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin.

Jerry was born March 1, 1947 in Topeka, Kansas the son of Frank and Myrtle (Crable) Smith. He grew up and attended schools in Topeka. He then served in the U.S. Navy. He married Jeanette A. Wiese on January 4, 1969 in Walden Township of Cass County near Pine River. He attended the Staples Technical School and studied drafting. He worked for Durkee’s Manufacturing, Montgomery Ward Co. and the J.C. Penny Co. He went to work for the U.S. Postal service in 1978 working in Pillager and Brainerd. He became postmaster of the Swatara Post Office in 1984 and in 1985 moved to Palisade where he served as Postmaster for many years. He and his wife have lived in Palisade since 1985. He had served on the Moose Lake Township board in Cass County in his younger days. He loved to fish and especially enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to fish. He also loved music and singing. He enjoyed deer hunting and was very good at telling jokes.

He is survived by his wife Jeanette Smith of Palisade, Children: Brian (Nicole) Smith of Palisade, Greg (Kathie) Smith of Aitkin, Jonah Smith and Kristin of Hermantown, Mn.; 7 grandchildren: Taylor Smith, Darian Erickson, Amisty Smith, Nick Smith, Amira Smith, Race Smith and Ripley Smith. Also surviving are two sisters: Emma Osborne and JoAnn (Billy) Lyden all of Topeka, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Betty, Helen, Barbara and brothers: Bill, Ronald and Dick.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 2 PM from First Lutheran Church in Aitkin with Rev. Jordan Gades officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Fleming Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Aitkin American Legion and VFW Posts. Arrangements are with the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Aitkin.

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