Ronald Milton Smith

Ron was born on October 11, 1937 in Willmar, Minnesota. He was the second of three children of Doty and Ann Smith. Ron had fond memories of his early childhood on the family farm near Bird Island, MN, then lived in Little Falls and Hector, MN before graduating from Hector High School in 1955. Ron was a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BA in Industrial Psychology. He also served in the Army as Specialist E-4. He became employed at 3MCompany at age 25. Ron married Jean Wedell on August 15, 1964 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ron relocated the family with 3M in 1973 to Downers Grove, Illinois as HR manager. He returned to Woodbury, Minnesota in 1976 as the Site HR Manager of 3M’s Electrical Products Group’s divisions. In 1984, he relocated with 3M to Austin, TX as Human Resource manager. After thirty years of service, Ron took an early retirement from 3M in 1992 to pursue a new venture with his three sons, called Flood Zones, Inc. which was acquired by Trans Union in 1996. He had an entrepreneurial spirit delving into various companies with his sons, including FirstClose, Inc. where all three sons work and thrive today. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and adventure seeker. He was a great craftsman finishing two basements into living areas. One of his hobbies was making holiday yard art for each of his children and his own yard. Ron sang in his church choir from elementary school until he couldn’t read music due to his poor eyesight when he was eighty-two. He did a lot of solo work with various churches, including weddings and special events, including 3M Music Makers. Ron was active in the Administrative Board at Bethany UMC. Ron was ecstatic after his Walk to Emmaus and was on fire for Christ, so he remained in a couples’ reunion group as well as other Kingdom building initiatives. He took his three sons individually to Promise Keepers, was active in Kairos Prison Ministry, participated in and led the Searcher’s Sunday School Class at Bethany, and much more.

Ron was a wonderful and caring husband, father, and grandfather. Ron and Jean were happily married for 58 years. He was happiest when surrounded by his large family. He is survived by his loving wife, Jean, their four children, Tim (Suzette), Tedd (Megan), Corey (Anita) and Laurinda, along with 10 grandchildren, Jackson, Jadyn, Addison, Connor, Blake, Westin, Zachary, Parker, Malia, and Ava, and sister Marie Walls (Robert predeceased) and brother Doug Smith (Cindy).

Ron was a supporter of Saint Joseph’s Indian School where approximately 200 Native American children are cared for each day. These children come from some of the poorest places in the nation. Ron would love to see more awareness and support go to these children in need.

If you want to show your support, please visit www.stjo.org/give

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Smith family.