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William “Bill” Smith, brother of Dave Thorman ’65 Posted

William “Bill” Smith of Owatonna died March 8, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Mass of Christian Burial is set for Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church (512 – South Elm St. Owatonna.)Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Steele County Funeral Unit. Friends may greet on Thursday from 9:00 am until the time of service at the church.

Born William Ernest Smith on July 22, 1934 in Morton, MN the son of Lester and Helen (Schiblen) Smith. Bill attended Owatonna high school and graduated in 1952. After high school Bill went to work for Federated Insurance and worked the majority of his career in underwriting. Bill enlisted in the United States Army in 1955 and served two years during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Federated in 1995 after 43 years of service. Bill was united in marriage to Ione Disher on Aug. 10, 1957 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the Newry Township. The couple made their home in Owatonna raising five children. Bill was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W, AMVETS, Owatonna Elk’s and Owatonna Country Club. His life interests include pheasant hunting, fishing, fast pitch softball, bowling and golf. He enjoyed representing the American Legion in local parades during the summers. Bill will be remembered for his love of fishing and his ability to fix rods and reels as well giving advice on where the local hot spots were.

Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ione; children, Jeff (Paula) Smith of Couer d’Alene, ID, Diane (Gary) Smith of Minneapolis, Doug (Terri) Smith of Owatonna, Karen (Brad)Fosseen of Couer d’Alene, ID, Steve Smith of Couer d’Alene, ID, eight grandchildren; brothers, John (Bette) Smith of Couer d’Alene, ID, Dave (Dode) Thorman of Victoria, MN, sister Dolly Johnson of Granite Falls, MN ; His step-mother, Dorothy L Smith of Owatonna. Bill is preceded in death by his father, Lester Smith, his mother, Helen Daub, his brother, Richie Smith. Memorials are preferred to The American Heart Association.