Duane Smith, 83, rural Minot, died Thursday, February 5, 2009 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Duane "Dewey" Smith was born August 2, 1925 on the family farm in Saline Township, near Deering, North Dakota, the son of Merle and Mathilda (Simmons) Smith. He was raised on the family farm and educated at Saline Township Schools. Duane entered into active duty service with the U.S. Navy in June of 1944, serving on the USS Clarendon during the Pacific Theatre of World War II, until receiving his honorable discharge in 1946.

Duane was united in marriage to Geri Albright on September 3, 1950 at the Congregational Church in Deering. They made their home in Minot for several years, until moving to their current residence near Burlington in 1961. Throughout the years, Duane was employed with Northern States Power Company in Minot where he worked as a linesman until his retirement in 1990. After retiring, he enjoyed part-time work as a farm laborer, until ill health forced him to fully retire.

Duane enjoyed riding his John Deere garden tractor, attending high school basketball games, along with visiting and laughing with family and friends.

His loving family includes : wife of 58 years, Geri Smith, daughters, Gayla (Tim) Zietz, Des Lacs, Kim (Mike) Johnson, Walhalla, Shelly Smith and her friend, Al Buee, Burlington, son, Tim (Mandy) Smith, Carpio; grandchildren, Melissa Zietz, Jared (Jill) Johnson, Jeremy Johnson, Josh Ramsey, Levi Ramsey; great-grandchildren; Jacob, Jaxen and Jaelyn Johnson, Kenny & Jonathan Smith.; brothers, Raymond (Noni), Omar (Betty) Smith, Curt (MarvaDeane) Smith, Rodney (MaryAnne) Smith, all Minot, sisters, Erma Kitzman, Minot, Justine Pfeiffer, McMinnville, OR and Vera (Pete) Peterson, Bismarck.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bud, sisters, Audrey and Lorraine and grandson, Jesse.

Funeral service : Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in First Assembly of God Church, Minot.
Interment: Veterans Section of Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation: Monday from 2:00-7:00p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.