Robert Smieja

Robert "Bob" Smieja, 84, of Browerville, died peacefully surrounded by his family November 25, 2014 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Minneapolis. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, December 5, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples with Father Joe Korf officiating. Family and friends are welcome to gather Friday morning beginning at 9:30 AM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel. A luncheon will follow services. Memorials preferred.

Bob was born April 20, 1930, in Holdingford, MN, the son of Michael and Mary (Kotzer) Smieja. Following school, he entered the work force before enlisted in the US Army and serving for two years during the Korean Conflict. Bob married Joan Wistrom on September 29, 1951 and the couple truly enjoyed their lives and raising their family together for 63 years. After owning and operating a number of small businesses in the Little Falls Area, Bob began a career with Control Data. As a consultant, Bob retired early and at the age of 58 he whisked Joan away to the warmer climate of Tucson, AZ during the winter months. Bob was a family man. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his children and grandchildren. He liked the outdoors - especially camping, hunting, and fishing. He eagerly shared those hobbies with his family. Bob had a passion for old cars and enjoyed restoring them. Bob - Gpa to many - will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Robert (Stephanie) Smieja, Barb Gavin, Debra (Roger Zdon) Smieja, and Christine Whitley; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Jerome, Michael, Angelo, Florence, Bernadine, Mary, and Rita. He was preceded in death by his sons, Darrell and Douglas; son-in-law, Bill Gavin; parents, Mike and Mary; in-laws, Josephine and Al Wistrom; and siblings, Paul, David, and Donald.