Obituary: Eugene Rolland Smith

Eugene Rolland Smith, 92, of Cloquet died May 23, 2022, at Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet. He was born July 30, 1929, in Trout Valley, near Winona, to Clarence and Ina (Kingsley) Smith. The family moved to Cromwell in 1940, where he attended high school. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954, then returned to Cromwell. Eugene met and fell in love with Patricia Gotzh of Cloquet, and they married on Aug. 18, 1956. They settled in Cloquet and had two sons, Steven and Brian. Eugene was a dedicated husband, father and provider. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and was also very involved in the youth baseball program, the American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents; son Steven; and all 10 of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; son Brian and spouse Kristi Smith of Scottsdale, Arizona; granddaughter Hailey; and great-grandson Owen.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, May 28, continuing at 1 p.m. until the 2 p.m. funeral service Sunday, May 29, all at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Military honors will be presented by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. Interment will be in New Calvary Cemetery.