Gerald L. "Smitty" Smith, 82, of Barnum, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake. He was born May 25, 1933 in Cloquet to Albert and Margaret (Franseen) Smith. Gerald graduated from Cromwell High School in 1952. He was a veteran of the United States Army who served during the Korean Conflict. Gerald was united in marriage to Bertha "Berty" Flasch on July 20, 1957 in Cloquet. Smitty was a Lineman/Foreman for Minnesota Power and Light for 40 years and was a member of Union IBEW. Smitty was also a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Barnum. He was a volunteer for the Barnum Fire Department for 20 years. Smitty also worked at the Moose Lake Food Shelf. He was a 27+ gallon Memorial Blood Donor which he was very proud of. Smitty was a member and former Commander of Cloquet American Legion Post #262. Smitty was also a Boy Scout Leader in his early years and was Carlton County Senior Citizen of the Year in 2015. Smitty's pride and joy were his grandchildren and family.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister, Myrna.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Berty of Barnum; son, Bruce (Colleen) Smith of Barnum; daughter, Sharon (Jeff) Bong of Superior; grandchildren, Chris (Callan) Smith of Barnum, Alex Smith of Barnum and Jessica Smith of Barnum; brothers, Leo Smith of Proctor and Albert "Skip" (Mary) Smith of New River, AZ; sisters, Yvonne Peterson of Wright and Peggy (Bob) DeCaigney of Cloquet; brothers and sisters in law, Jim and Helen Woollett and James and Mary Jean Flasch; brother-in-law, Bud Farrell; many nieces and nephews and friends. Smitty was greatly loved by his family and will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be Friday, February 12, from 5-7 PM in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake and will continue Saturday, February 13 from 10 AM until the 11 AM Service in Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Barnum.

Casket Bearers will be Christopher Smith, Alexander Smith, Jessica Smith, Todd Juusola, Craig Peterson and Scott Czerwinski. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Jeff Bong, Maverick Svacina, Callan Smith, Steve Woollett, Jeff Woollett, John Raiha, Rick Mackey, Richard Schmidt and Ron Eden.

Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Barnum.

Military Honors will be provided by Cloquet American Legion Post #262. To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.