George Smith, 84
George Phillip Smith, 84, rural Parkers Prairie, went home to be with the Lord on December 15, 2010.
George Phillip Smith, 84, rural Parkers Prairie, went home to be with the Lord on December 15, 2010.
George was born December 6, 1926 in Coon Rapids to George and Irene (Vandecar) Smith. He attended school in Coon Rapids and at the age of 15 he went to Provo, South Dakota and worked for the Army Corps of Engineers.
In 1945, he entered the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa. He was honorably discharged from Ft. Sheridan, Illinois in 1947.
He was married in 1948, and to this union was blessed with five children. On June 6, 1973 he married Karen Embretson.
He drove truck, hauling freight from Minneapolis to Fargo and Grand Forks for many years and also hauled cattle and freight from Aitkin to South St. Paul. George farmed and raised Hereford cattle for 50 years.
George, also known as “Mickey,” loved children Besides his own seven children, he was a foster parent to more than 130 children. George also sponsored and transported many children to Camp JIM (Jesus Is Mine) at Pillager, stopping at the Dairy Queen in Staples on the way. George was also Santa for countless children in Parkers Prairie for more than 20 years.
He loved his cattle, horses, and old trucks (1954 Mack and 1971 Kenworth). He also loved the smell of lilacs in the spring.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; four sons, Michael of Minneapolis, Phillip of Isle, Mark (Barbara) of Albuquerque, N.M. and Steven (Jennifer) of Grimes, IA.; two daughters, Shelly (Mike) Compton of Hollandale and Lisa (Rick) Sicora of Isle; 11 grandchildren, Angie, Allison, Jonathan, Brandy, Christy, Joe, Arianna, Alexa, Abigail, Bethany and Carolynn; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, David (Margie) Smith; and two sisters, Gladys (Gene) Karpe and Judy (Tom) Crute, all of Anoka; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a daughter, Debbie; brothers, John and Glenn; and his sister, Rosemary.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 21 at First Baptist Church of Parkers Prairie with Pastor Paul Twist officiating. Interment was at Parkers Prairie Cemetery with military participation by the Minnesota Army Honor Guard.
The funeral home in charge of arrangements was Faith and Hope Funeral Home of Fergus Falls. Online condolences and video tribute at www.faithhopefh.com.
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Tags: george smith, obituaries, smith
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