Bob Smestad, 87, Minot and longtime Velva area farmer, died Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at his home in Minot.

Marlin 'Bob' Smestad was born January 10, 1931 in Velva, ND to Elsie Kraus. He was raised on the farm by his beloved Uncle Nels, and Edna Solheim. He graduated from Velva High School in 1949.

Bob was united in marriage to Leona Morris on June 2, 1952 in Britton, South Dakota. They made their home on the farm located 6 miles north of Velva and were blessed with four daughters. Bob and Leona farmed for many years raising small grains and livestock on North Prairie. After 50 years of farming they moved to Minot in 2001. They became residents of Edgewood Vista July 2017.

Bob was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Minot and a former member of Oak Valley Lutheran Church in Velva. He was an active volunteer in both congregations logging many hours making potato klub in preparation for the Norsk Hostfest in addition to serving the festival as a manager of Stockholm Hall for a number of years. He served on the Velva School Board, maintained memberships to the Sons of Norway, Masonic Lodge and the Minot Golden K Kiwanis, where he was a past president. Bob also volunteered at Trinity Hospital for many years.

Bob enjoyed life and cherished the simple moments he spent teaching his children and grandchildren how to drive, enjoy the outdoors, fishing, hunting or just listening to their adventures. He will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to share in his life.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Leona, Minot; daughters, Lynette Sevilla, Morgan Hill, CA, Kerry (Jay) Clark, and Marla (Brad) Bohan, both of Minot; grandchildren, Justin (Laura) Bohan, Katelyn Bohan, Megan (Dan Falconer) Hibbs, Kyle (Annie) Hibbs, Daniel Clark, great-grandchildren, twins Audrey and Claire Bohan and Theodore Falconer. Also surviving is a brother Lyle (Liz) Hendrickson along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Elsie, Nels and Edna Solheim, daughter, Sandra Smestad and siblings, Harvey Hendrickson, Connie Hendrickson and Marlys Libke.

Celebration of Bob's Life: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND.
Visitation: Monday, April 30, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers and plants memorials are preferred to the Shriners Children's Hospital, Souris Valley Care Center of Velva or to an organization of the donor's choice.