Richard "Rick" Lee Smith

The funeral service will be livestreamed at: https://youtube.com/live/0lj8_t5-H8U

Richard "Rick" L. Smith, age 80, of Willmar, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, October 13, at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital from an apparent heart attack.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by his celebration of life service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, at Vinje Lutheran Church. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Rick's life may be directed to Vinje Lutheran Church or the Willmar Public Library. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Richard Lee Smith was born on December 27, 1944, in Hancock, Minnesota, the son of Leland and Joyce (Anderson) Smith. He grew up in the Hancock community, graduated from Hancock High School in 1962 and from the University of Minnesota Morris. Rick taught school in Ortonville and then moved to Willmar in 1969 to teach mathematics at Willmar Technical College, later Ridgewater College. On June 11, 1965, Rick was united in marriage to Candy Blasing. They made their home in Hancock and Ortonville before moving to Willmar.

Rick was known for his humor and love of life. He was an active member of Vinje Church in Willmar and sang in the choir for 56 years. He enjoyed having coffee and bicycling with friends, music, dancing, reading and especially attending his grandchildren’s activities. He was a true Minnesota sports fan even when they frustrated him. He was also the cook in the family; his specialty was anything meat and potatoes, followed by a late-night snack of popcorn or ice cream. To stay fit, he walked 2.5 miles daily, most often on the Glacial Ridge Trail.

After 54 years of marriage, Candy passed away. Six years ago, Rick reconnected with a former co-worker, Pat Jacobs. They became close friends and enjoyed travel – going to Europe and New York City, and on Caribbean and Alaskan cruises.

Rick is survived by his children, Lee (Janet) Smith of Salt Lake City, Utah and Wendy Merila of Albertville; grandchildren, Wyatt and Garrett Smith, Brooke (Teague) Bogenholm, Boston and Brody Merila, Adam Astor, Amanda (Kyle) Sullivan-Astor, Ashley (fiancé Nate Lutmer) Astor, and great grandchildren, Brynn and Beckett Sullivan-Astor. Also surviving are his sister, Georgia Manska of Morris; brother, Gary (Elna) Smith of Hancock; sisters-in-law, Jacki Burmeister of North St. Paul and Bonita Smith of Morris and partner, Pat Jacobs of Willmar.

Rick was preceded in death by his wife, Candy; parents, Leland and Joyce; brother, Darrell Smith; and brothers-in-law, Eddie Manska and Steve Burmeister.