Roger V. Smith, age 81, of Almora, died Thursday, March 22, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at First Baptist Church in Parkers Prairie with Rev. Robert Deugan and Rev. Dennis Walsh officiating. Music will be provided by pianist, Carol Nelson and vocalists, Jeanne Deugan and Brittany Mickelson. Burial will take place at Woodside Cemetery in Wrightstown with full military honors.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Monday at Lind Family Funeral Home and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Roger Vincent was born February 12, 1931, to Ralph V. and Minnie C. (Melious) Smith in Bertha, Minnesota. He grew up in rural Bertha, attended country school and helped his father on the family farm. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, Roger returned to Minnesota and worked in the Bertha area. He was united in marriage to Elaine D. Finck on February 16, 1952, at the Church of God parsonage in Bertha. Following their marriage, they lived in Minneapolis where they both worked at the Twin City Arsenal for several years. They moved to South Dakota where he worked at Home State Gold Mine in Lead and their two children were born. In 1963, they moved to Almora. He was baptized at First Baptist Church in Parkers Prairie as an adult. Roger spent the next 25 years working construction in Minnesota before retiring in February of 1992, due to his failing health. Roger was a member of First Baptist Church and the Wadena V.F.W. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.
Roger is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elaine; daughter, Sandra (Greg) Mickelson of Craig, Alaska on Prince of Wales Island; brother, Jack (Audrey) Smith of Detroit Lakes; sister, Jeanette Thomas of Chanhassen; three grandchildren, Jeremy (Heather) Mickelson, Lisa (William) Aanrud and Gregg (Nicki) Mickelson; five great-grandchildren, Dylan, Brittany, Melanie, Tiffany and Alexis; along with nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Randy and granddaughter, Melanie.
Pallbearers will be Kirk Smith, Greg Mickelson, Jeremy Mickelson, Gregg Mickelson, Terry Hetland and Jeff Thomas. Honorary pallbearers will be Merle and Jackie Dittberner, Jim and Greta Cronk, and Wayne and Polly Long.