William Smith

William "Will" E. Smith passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2013, at the age of 76, at Lakewood Hospital in Staples, MN. Funeral services for William will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 1:30 PM at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples, MN, with visitation one hour prior to services.
Will was born in Grafton, ND on November 3, 1937 to Oris & Evelyn (Uggerud) Smith. His early childhood was spent on the family farm in rural Walsh County. Later the family moved to Grand Forks. At a young age, Will delivered and sold newspapers on the city street corners. Following high school he began his railroad career as a brakeman for the Great Northern R.R..
He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Paris, France. After his honorable discharge Will enrolled at the University of North Dakota. He resumed working for the Burlington Northern R.R. holding positions as brakeman, fireman, and engineer.
In 1973 he was transferred to Staples, MN. In 2004 after 524 months of service and millions of miles on the rails he finally retired.
Will enjoyed assembling many collections of stamps, and coins for his 6 grandchildren. He enjoyed reading history, visiting historical sites especially Presidential Libraries.
He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, the American Legion, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Staples Historical Society, and Masonic Crescent Lodge 207 where he occupied different offices and served as the Worshipful Master in 1982.
Surviving Will are his wife of 47 years Dianna; son Aaron, (Jodi); grandchildren, Madison, Elle, Will and Marley Jo of Rochester, MN; Son Cal (Dolores); grandchildren, Travis and Sofia of Austin, TX; brothers Duane (Alice), Glenn and sister Janice Lenhart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oris & Evelyn and sister Marilyn Mortrude.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorials be made to donors choice or to Faith Lutheran Church.