Thomas J. ’Tom’ Smith

Thomas J. Smith, 60, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died Thursday, July 30, 2009, in his home, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.Tom was born July 31, 1948, in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Robert and Madge Nickeson Smith. He grew up and attended school in Grand Forks, graduating in 1966 from Grand Forks Central High School. In 1970 he graduated from Jamestown Community College. Tom married Vicki Egstad on March 10, 1974, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, together they had six children. Tom was employed by West Central Incorporated. He enjoyed working and spending time with his family and the light of his life, his only grandchild, Emma Rose. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.He is survived by his wife, Vicki Smith of Detroit Lakes, MN; his children, Marnee Marty Strege of Fargo, ND, Matthew Smith of Fayetteville, AR, Kevin Smith of Minneapolis, MN, Brian Smith of West Fargo, ND, Molly Smith of Fargo, ND, and Hannah Smith of West Fargo, ND; one granddaughter, Emma Rose Strege of Fargo, ND; mother, Madge Smith of Grand Forks; two brothers, Robert Mary Smith, Jr. of Fargo, ND, and Bradley Diane Smith of Devils Lake, ND; one sister, Lynne Dave Roche of Grand Forks, ND and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Smith.In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of the Red River Valley.