David Ralph Smith, 70, of Milford, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, September 30th. Dave was born November 17, 1950, to Bonnie (Brown) and Francis “Smitty” Smith. In 1970, Dave graduated from Spirit Lake High School and started working for Dickinson County in the Engineer’s Office. By the time he retired in 2006, Dave had worked for the county for over 36 years. He was united in marriage to Beth (Rickman) on December 28, 1971. To this union, Dave and Beth were blessed with the birth of their only child, Kathy, in 1976.
Dave loved walking on the Henderson Trail, playing cards, listening to music and spending time with his grandkids.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents Bonnie and Smitty Smith, his brother Roger, and in-laws Jody and Bob Rickman.
He is survived by his wife, Beth, of 49 years; daughter Kathy; grandchildren Liam (f. Burkelyn), Jack, and Brooke; siblings Bonnie (Bill) Duhn, Marvin (Kathy) Smith, Bruce Smith; many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Dave’s life will be held 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 7th, at Calvary United Methodist Church. There will be visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 6th, also at the church. A graveside service and interment will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com The family is requesting no flowers; memorials will be used to purchase a bench on Dave’s beloved Henderson Trail.