Floyd R. Smith, 78, of rural Esmond, ND,  died Saturday, November 5, 2011, at the Heart of America Medical Center (hospital) in Rugby, ND.   Memorial Services will be Sunday, November 13, 2011,  2:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church,  rural Esmond with Pastor Harold Ovre officiating.  Interment will be in the Vasa Lutheran Cemetery,  Esmond. Music will be from Joann Bergrud, soloist with Karen Smith, pianist.

Floyd Richard Smith was born April 11, 1933 on the family farm in Isabel Township, rural Esmond, ND to Herman and Carrie (Erickson) Smith.  He was raised there and attended the Isabel Consolidated School through the 8th grade and graduated from the Benson County Agricultural and Training School at Maddock in 1951.   Following service with the army in Korea, Floyd farmed in partnership with is brother, Reuben, until his retirement.  Floyd  served as manager of the Maddock Legion Club and part owner of the Maddock Bar for a number of  years and also was a metal craftsman, welder and mechanic.  He also went south combining for a few years.  Floyd served on several boards over the years including the Harlow Elevator and North Star Community Credit Union.  Floyd was currently the assessor for Isabel and Esmond Townships. He married Ruth Swan-Starkey on February 2, 1978 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Esmond. The couple made their home on his grandfather's farm East of Esmond.  She preceded him in death on October 14th of this year.

Floyd was a baptized member of Vasa Lutheran Church and choir until its closure, then became a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.  He always enjoyed the many fishing trips to Canada.  Floyd was also a member of the Eagles in Harvey.

Surviving are 2 step-grandsons:  Noah Medlar of Minot, ND and Ira Medlar of Wahpeton, ND;  2 great-grandchildren:  Trent and Zoe Medlar;  brothers:  Reuben (Shirley) Smith of Esmond & Lyle (Sharon) Smith of Detroit Lakes, MN;  sisters:  Vivian Toso of Minneapolis, MN &  Myrtle (Henning) Jacobson of Esmond; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents;  wife;  step-daughter:  Deborah Starkey;  brothers:  Henry, Edwin and Ernest Smith; sisters:  Elsie Bratvold and Selma Lien; and a niece:  Kim Smith.



Condolences:

Our thoughts and prayers go out the Smith family. I remember Floyd when he was on the credit union board how he always took the time to stop in Rugby and say hi to everybody in the office and will always remember that about Floyd. He and Ruth will be deeply missed,but we will always have the memories to cherish. Larry and Michelle Griffin