Alfred "Alfie" Charles Smith

Alfred C. “Al” Smith, 79 of New Rockford, ND formerly of Woodlake, ND passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd. 

Alfred Charles Smith was born on November 4, 1939 at Fort Totten, ND the son of Alexander and Mary Pearl (Lang) Smith. At a young age, Alfred moved with the family to Tacoma, Washington.  He attended Holy Cross Elementary School and graduated from Bellarmine High School in May of 1958.  He lived and worked in the Tacoma area until he entered the United States Army on May 7, 1963 and did basic training at Fort Ord, California.  Alfred proudly served his country in active duty, stationed at Anchorage, Alaska with the USARAL (United States Army, Alaska) until his honorable discharge on April 27, 1965 with the rank of Specialist 4.   He continued with the Army Reserves until May of 1969. 

Alfred returned to Washington and worked for Northern Pacific Railroad for a few years. Al then began a career as an independent contractor as an over-the-road trucker for several moving companies.  This occupation would take him from coast to coast and everywhere in between.  Anytime his route brought him into North Dakota he would always make a stop at the Smith Ranch for special times with family. Al retired in 2002 and moved to his brother Howard’s ranch. 

Alfred lived at the Ranch until 2008 when he moved into the Odd Fellow’s Home in Devils Lake. He lived there and enjoyed the company of the staff and other residents and also the activities until 2017 when he moved to the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford to be closer to family.

Al enjoyed watching all types of sports. He was an All-State Basketball Player for Bellarmine High School. He had his favorite professional teams including the Minnesota Twins and the Seattle Seahawks.  In his younger years he enjoyed horse-back riding and hunting.  He was always ready for a game of cards or cribbage but being with family was what was most important to Al. 

Rest in peace in the arms of the Lord dear Al.

Al is survived by his brother Larry (Teresa) Smith of Federal Way, WA; sisters Alice Kimmerly, Sheyenne, ND and Julie Graham, Manchester, WA; sisters-in-law Frances Smith, New Rockford, ND and Donna Smith, Tacoma, WA; many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alex and Mary; brothers Ambrose, Edward, Francis and Howard Smith; sisters Sr. Cecelia Smith, Dede Markland and Winnie Bartlett; aunt Madeline Landry; brothers-in-law Bob Bartlett, Gene Markland and Art Kimmerly; sister-in-law Darlys Smith.

Urn Bearers will be his nephews Darrel, Rodney, Terry, Duane, Dennis and Ricky Smith. Music will be provided by Sarah Smith Warren, Al’s great niece. 

Mass of Christian Burial for Al will be on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd with Reverend Charles Leute, OP celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be held on Tuesday at the Lutheran Home one hour prior to the funeral Mass. 

Graveside Services for Al will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery on Tuesday, June 11^th at 3:00 p.m. with Military Honors accorded by the Spirit Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6547.