Glen Smith

Glen A. Smith, 95 years old, of Minong, WI, passed away on September 24, 2016. Glen was born on September 19, 1921 in a log house located on Trego Flats in Washburn County, WI, to Isabel and Arthur Smith. He was third oldest of four boys. In 1922, the family moved to Minong, WI, where, (with the exception of 20 plus years in the military), he resided for most of his life. He was married to Betty Frahm on January 29, 1947 in Duluth, MN. They celebrated 62 wedding anniversaries together. In October of 1940, Glen joined the Navy and was a member during all of WWII, serving on three navy ships; the USS Saratoga, USS Steamer Bay and the USS Piedmont. Shortly after WWII, he received an honorable discharge and remained in the Naval Reserves while returning home to Minong. Several months later, he and Betty moved to California where he attended Northrop Aero Institute and he obtained an aircraft and engine mechanic license. Returning to Minong, and following a few months of employment at a local gas station, he again joined the military, this time serving in the Army. Glen’s first station with the Army was Fort Riley, Kansas, where he served as a typing instructor. After re-enlistment, it was off to Korea for 14 months where he was assigned to the 6th helicopter company, where he put to good use his A&E license, inspecting and maintaining a number of helicopters. Following Korea, it was off to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, then to Fort Gordon, GA, and finally to Sandia Base in Albuquerque, NM, where he served for seven years as an instructor for the storage and maintenance of atomic weapons. During his time at Sandia base, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. Joining a military flying club and helping to maintain the club aircraft, he received several hours of flight instruction. On February 10, 1958 he completed his first solo flight with three take-offs and landings. Glen retired from the military in July of 1963, returning to Minong. He began his dream job of opening his own repair shop, called “Smith Repair Shop”, where he fixed small engines and small appliances. Following over a year of odd jobs, he was employed by the WI DNR. He started with GEME management, was supervised by Burt Dahlberg, and ended as a purchasing agent for the twelve counties in NW Wisconsin. Glen retired from the DNR in November of 1984. Keeping a large family housed and feed sometimes took more than one job so Glen found ways to encorporate his love of sports with work. He was an umpire for the Town of Minong Baseball team for at least 15 years and was a referee for Northwood High School Basketball games for a number of years as well. Glen enjoyed golfing, being with family, building and flying model airplanes, driving his motor scooter and continuing his dream of working with small electronics by tinkering whenever he had the opportunity. Glen kept his mind and body active by striving to learn new things every day. He was an active member of St. Mary’s church, serving as usher, on the Parish Council and providing maintenance when needed. Glen was a wonderful, loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed by many but will always be in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him. Glen is survived by children Deborah (Ed) Kofal of Wascott, WI, Mark (Cheryl) Smith of Grantsburg, WI, Dawn (Bob) DeSoto of Dickinson, ND, Dee Ann (Scott) Clark of Bloomington, MN and Miles (Kristin Kandschur) Smith of Trondheim, Norway; grandchildren Nicki, Denise, Landon, Shauna, Tanna, Courtney, Hunter and Theo; great-grandchildren McKenzie, Johnny, Julia, Emily, Samantha and Brett, with another expected in January; and many other family and friends. Glen is preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his daughter, Denise; his parents, Isabel and Arthur and step-father John Green; and his three brothers, Lyndon, Marion (Punk) and Keith. The family of Glen A. Smith would like to thank Regional Hospice for their support during this difficult time. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am (visitation 10:00 to 11:00 am), Friday, September 30, 2016 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Minong, with Father James Kinney officiating. Full military honors will be held at the church followed by interment in Greenwood Cemetery, Minong. Casket bearers are: Nicki Kofal-Coons, Denise LaGraves, Landon Smith, Shauna Klug, Tanna Hightman, Courtney Mike, Hunter Clark, and Theo Julius Kandschur. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg, WI.