Carl Russell Smestad

Carl Russell Smestad, 95 of Grand Rapids passed away peacefully at home, on Wednesday January 10, 2018. Born in Grand Rapids, on February 15, 1922 to Martin and Marie Smestad. Survived by his wife of 69 years Leona “Irene” nee Ripley, Smestad. Also survived by children; Helen(Wayne) Sherwood, Barbara (Bob) Chambers, Sharen (Peter) Bonczyk, Karen (Al) Krulek and James (Vonda) Smestad, thirteen grandchildren and ten, great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, son Dale, three sisters and two brothers. Carl proudly served his country in the Army as a member of the 32cnd Red Arrow Division, 126th Infantry in the South Pacific during world War II. He was one of the “Ghost Mountain Boys”. After the Army Carl worked as a Lineman/Repairman for AT & T for 38 years before retiring. Carl loved woodworking and carpentry, he made furniture and cabinets for friends and family. He was an outdoorsman, an avid hunter and fisherman who loved canoeing and camping. He was also a member of Faith Lutheran Church. He was a great man who loved his family, and will be greatly missed. A memorial visitation for Carl will be Wednesday, January 24, 2018 starting at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church 2740 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI 49505. Please make memorial donations to the Humane Society or the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.