Michael R. Smith

Michael Ray Smith, 47, died on Sunday, October 8, 2006, in MeritCare Hospital, due to complications from cancer. Mike had fought a brave battle with his loving family by his side.Mike was born on December 3, 1958, in Bemidji, MN, to Elmer and Julia Madison Smith. He married Julene Baumgarten on September 16, 1978, in Crookston, MN.Mike drove a semi for over 20 years, hauling many different types of loads. Mike and Julene truly enjoyed over the road hauling, seeing the country together. Mike and Julene were the picture of marriage and friendship entwined as they never left each other's side. Mike was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and uncle. Spending time with family was Mike's favorite thing to do. Some of his hobbies included driving motorcycle, mechanical work and hunting.Mike is survived by his wife of 28 years, Julene; daughters, Christina Wade Davis, Barnesville, MN, Stacey Dan Johnson, Glyndon, MN, sons William Melissa Balzum, Horace, ND, and Timothy, at home in Felton, MN; Mike has four wonderful grandchildren, two grandsons and two granddaughters, Rylee, Brandy, Casey, and William, Jr.; He is also survived by three brothers, two sisters and four brothers-in-law. Mike's siblings include Larry Audrey, Leonard, MN, Lorraine Leo Stai, Puposky, MN, Janice Jerry Pellinen, Babbit, MN, Delbert Juanita Smith, Pinewood, MN, and Gary Bonnie Smith, Bemidji, MN. Mike is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, a sister, and his father and mother-in-law.