of Fremont
Died Friday November 22, 2013
in his home.
Charly was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota on February 7, 1931 to Donald and Irene C. (Hegland) Smith. He grew up in rural Austin, Minnesota where he graduated from Austin High School.
He was on the fire department in Austin, Minnesota, and in October of 1961, moved to Fremont to begin employment at Hormel's. He worked there until retiring in May of 1992.
Charly had served in the United States Navy from August of 1951 to August of 1955, and was in the Navy Reserves from April of 1957 to April of 1985, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. Charly was very active in the Fremont community. He had served on the Fremont Parks and Recreation Board from December of 2003 to December of 2007. He was a Past Commander and a 'Life Member' of the following: American Legion Post 20, Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post 854, Military Order of Cooties #14, and 40 & 8 Voiture 1018. He was the Director of American Legion Baseball from 1977 to 2007. Charly was also very active with the Fremont Friendship Center.
On February 4, 1951, he was married to Darlene Graff in Austin, Minnesota, and she preceded him in death on April 30, 2007. Charly was also preceded by 2 brothers.
Surviving: daughters Kim Emmons, Karen and husband Rich Rockford
sons Kevin and wife Leslie Smith, Keith and wife Sheri Smith, all of Fremont
11 grandchildren Dayme and husband Brian Moller, Kourtney Emmons, Tyler Emmons, Blake
Smith and fiancee' Melissa Jackson, Grant Smith, Nathan and wife Erin Smith,
Megan Rockford, Allie Rockford, Kyle Smith, Zachary Smith, Samantha Smith.
3 great grandchildren Jaxon Moller, Charlea Smith, Lena Smith.
brother Ed and wife Joyce Smith of Austin, Minnesota
The funeral service will be 10:30 AM Wednesday (Nov. 27, 2013) at the First Lutheran Church (3200 E. Military) with the Rev. Charlie Axness. The committal will follow in Ridge Cemetery with Military Honors by the Fremont Honor Guard of the American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854. Visitation will be on Tuesday (Nov. 26th) at the Ludvigsen Mortuary from 2 to 8 PM, with the family present from 5 to 7 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Fremont Friendship Center.
online guestbook @ www.ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(11)
Judy Anderson ( McKinney
Fremont, NE Sunday, December 1, 2013 Keith and family,Deepest sympathy to you and your family. I was schocked to hear of your Dad's passing but I pray you will find comfort in the many happy memories you have of him and in knowing he is at home with Jesus. May each passing day get easier as you mourn his death. You have many friends who care!!!
Roxanne Koci
omaha, NE Saturday, November 30, 2013 Kim, Kevin ,Leslie, Karen, Rich, Keith, Sherry, Nathan, Dayme and families,I was honored to know to know both Charley and Darlene since I was 14 years old. They were my second parents. Darlene taught me how to cook some of her famous dishes that I passed on to my children and grandchildren. Ritz cookies and her brownie are made every year. My grandchildren know all about Darlene thou they never met her. Charley gave me that look when I needed it and I thank him for I am the woman I am today because of him.
It never gets easier losing someone, you just learn to live with it. Take one day at a time and lean on each other. I am honored to have known the Smith Family in my life. You had great parents and you are great people. God Bless you. Love you all !!!!
Ron & Emilee Scheer
Fremont, NE Wednesday, November 27, 2013Sorry to hear about your dad, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our deepest sympathy.
Ron & Emilee Scheer
Mike & Janet Funk
Fremont, NE Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Dear Kevin, Keith & family..was very shocked to hear about your Dad's passing. He was such a great contributor to the city of Fremont. I totally enjoyed working with him on American Legion baseball, and Janet had such fun with him at the Senior Center. He will be missed, but never forgotten...Dave Shrader
Fremont, NE Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Kevin, Keith, Kim, Karen and familiesSo sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. The community has lost a great friend. The unselfish giving of his time to the summer baseball programs touched hundreds if not thousands of youth in Fremont. God Bless!
Dave Shrader
Bev Johnson
Fremont, NE Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Kim, Kevin,We are very sorry for your loss. It sounds like your father was a very good provider and an interesting man. Our thoughts are with you during this confusing time.
Bev Johnson and Glenn Sellhorst
Duane and DeMaris Humphrey
Fremont, NE Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Kevin, Kim, Keith, Karen and families,We are currently in Boulder and were saddened to learn of your Dad's death from the newspaper. What contributions to youth and to the community he has made. He left you a wonderful legacy of service. Duane and DeMaris Humphrey
Parkers
Madison, NJ Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Dear Kevin and Leslie,We were so sorry to hear the news. We feel fortunate to have met your wonderful dad when we lived next door to you in Fremont and we want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
With much love and our deepest condolences,
Paul and Lorrie Parker
Gretchen Thomson
, MN Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Kim, Kevin, Karen, Keith and Family,I am so very sorry to hear about Chuck passing away. I know it is never easy when you lose a loved one, especially one that was very close to all of you.
There are so many wonderful memories of all the times our families were together whether it was in Fremont, Austin or Cannon Falls and those are the memories I will cherish and remember.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Gretchen & Skip Thomson
Dale Holzerland
, NE Monday, November 25, 2013 Keith, Kevin, Kim, Karen and all of the family,Sorry to hear about your dad, grandpa and great grandpa. Charly was a good man. He loved his family and was a good servant to his community. He was always kind and friendly. Loved the guy! I was blessed to have known him. May God's comfort and peace be with you all!
Rhonda Borisow
Fremont, NE Sunday, November 24, 2013 Dear Kim,I was very saddened when I heard the news about your dads death. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Please let me know anything I can do for you to help you with anything during this difficult time. I will always be there for you.