Charles J. Smith, obituary portrait — Ludvigsen Mortuary

In Loving Memory

Charles J. “Charly”Smith

Date of Birth February 7, 1931
Passed Away On November 22, 2013
At Age 82 years
Resident of Fremont, NE
United States Veteran
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Charles J. 'Charly' Smith age 82
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


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Services

Visitation

Ludvigsen Mortuary - Fremont

1249 E. 23rd St.

Fremont, NE, 68025

November 26, 2013

2:00pm to 8:00pm

Map ↗

Visitation

Ludvigsen Mortuary - Fremont

1249 E. 23rd St.

Fremont, NE, 68025

November 26, 2013

Family present from 5-7

Map ↗

Funeral Service

Funeral Service

First Lutheran Church

3200 East Military Avenue

Fremont, NE, 68025

November 27, 2013

10:30 AM

Map ↗

Graveside Service

Memorial Cemetery

800 West 23rd Street

Fremont, NE, 68025

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Condolences (11)

J
Judy Anderson ( McKinney Fremont, NE 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!!!
"
R
Roxanne Koci omaha, NE 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 !!!!
"
M
Mike & Janet Funk Fremont, NE 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..."
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