Rodney W. "Rod" Smith

Rodney W. "Rod" Smith, age 82 of Hastings, died suddenly but peacefully on Friday, June 28, 2019, at United Hospital in St. Paul. Rodney William, the son of Fred F. and Nellie (Secor) Smith, was born on May 17, 1937, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Rod attended Logan High School and graduated with the class of 1955. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served our country well in the Philippines. In 2017, Rod returned there to visit with his son, Bryan. After his service to the Army, Rod also served twenty years in the Navy Reserves Intelligence Unit before Retiring and being Honorably Discharged. On July 30, 1958, Rod was united in marriage to Kay Amundson in Dennison, Minnesota. They enjoyed traveling to Honolulu while Rod was in the service, as well as many other cruises and family road trips over the years. Rod loved football, especially the Green Bay Packers! Rod began his working career with the Milwaukee Railroad and then with various airlines. Rod then started his twenty-one year career with the Dakota County Sheriff's Office and retired as a Sergeant in 1991. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Betty Schwanbeck and Fred G. Smith; and by his niece, Debbie Smith. Rod is survived by his wife, Kay; children, Teri (Steve) Eggert, Dana (Dick) Leibbrand, Bryan (Val) Smith, and Penne (Dave) Schuldt; grandsons, Jason Smith, Alex Smith, Michael (Savannah) Leibbrand, and Mathew (Cristina) Leibbrand; granddaughters, Christa (Luke) Feil, Bethany, Katie, and Paula Scharfe; great- grandson, Jack Feil; siblings, Anita (Ken) Blake, and Doug (Rhonda) Smith; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Memorial services will be held 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2019, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service, a reception will also be held at the funeral home. Private family interment will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Rod's family requests that flowers be OMITTED. Rather, please make a donation in his memory to the American Heart Association, Parkinson's Research, or to the donor's choice. Also, per Rod's request, please wear your football gear, or at least, casual attire. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.