Thomas J. Smith
Thomas J. Smith, 73 of Rochester, MN, passed away Friday, September 1, 2023, at Gundersen-St. Elizabeth Nursing Home, Wabasha, MN.
Thomas John was born September 20, 1949, in Madelia, MN to Paul J. and Pauline V. (Moscariello) Smith. He graduated from Madelia High School in 1967. He served in the US Army from 1969 to 1971 and received the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, and Bronze Service Star. On September 1, 2007, he married the love of his life, Julie Ann Mathias.
He was born and raised on a farm in Madelia, graduated high school and after attending Alexandria Vo-Tech for Small Engine Mechanic, he was employed by Parkside Marina as a boat mechanic until being recruited and hired by the Rochester International Airport as part of the Maintenance Department. He retired in 2012 after 23 years. He loved deer hunting and all of Mother Nature, in general. He was a master gardener and loved animals.
He is survived by his wife Julie; children: Joshua (Natalie) Smith, Shane (Elizabeth) Stamschror, Allison (Brian) O’Neill, Eva (Steve) Moeckly; grandchildren: Logan, Jerica, Calvin, Clarke, Sage, Noah, Charlie, and Leonard; brothers: Norbert (Lynette) Smith, Peter (Lois) Smith, and Michael (Jennifer) Smith; sisters: Ann (Jeffrey) Jackson, Teresa (Gregg) Chaplin, and Mary (Todd) Schwanke, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Erik Floan, brother Joseph Smith, two sisters Susan Smith and Kathleen Smith, a nephew Erik Schwanke and numerous aunts, uncles, and other relatives.
A visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Abbott Funeral Home, Wabasha.
All are invited to the committal prayers at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Riverview Cemetery, Wabasha with military honors provided by the Wabasha American Legion Post #50, the Burkhardt-Roemer VFW Post #4086 and the MNARNG Honor Guard.
Memorials can be directed to the DAV of MN, State Veterans Service Building Floor 3, 20 West 12 Street, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Services entrusted to Abbott Funeral Home & Crematory, Wabasha, MN. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.abbottfh.com
