Herbert Smieja

Herbert J. Smieja, age 75, of Breezy Point, died early Sunday morning at St. Joseph?s Hospital in Brainerd. A Memorial Mass will be 2:00 PM Friday, June 10, at St. Christopher?s Catholic Church in Nisswa with Father George Zeck officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM until time of Services on Friday.
Herbert Jerome Smieja was born June 23, 1929, in Bowlus, MN, the son of Thomas and Lucy (Dubiel) Smieja. He was called from this life early Sunday morning, June 5, at St. Joseph?s Hospital in Brainerd, MN. He attained the age of 75 years, 11 months, and 12 days.

Herbert graduated from South High School in Minneapolis. He went on to attend Dunwoody Technical College for 2 years to study electronics. On Feb. 27, 1954, he was united in marriage to Shirley Standing at St. Helena?s Catholic Church in Minneapolis. To this union 3 children were born. They were able to share over 51 years of marriage together. In 1952 he went to work for NSP as a cable splicer. After 36 years with NSP he retired in 1988 after working his way to foreman of the cable pulling crew. During his spare time he would build and remodel houses. In 1978 he built a home in Breezy Point where the couple moved to after he retired. Among the things he enjoyed was music, he could play several instruments including piano, accordion, and organ. He also enjoyed gardening, both vegetable and flower, taking care of his lawn, and fishing and hunting. But his greatest joy was his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lucy, and a brother, Ernest. Herbert is mourned in passing by his wife, Shirley; children, Sue Grothe of Apple Valley, MN, Steve Smieja of Lakeville, MN, and Lori (Barry) Richard of Lakeville, MN; 9 grandchildren, Brandon, Shaun, and Angela Smieja, Jessica and Amanda Grothe, and Tyler, Maggie, Kelli, and Caity Richard; and 3 brothers, Ray (Alice) Smieja of Richfield, Gerald (Chris) Smieja of Breezy Point, and Donald (Dell) Smieja of Wells, MN.