Obituary of Royal Smith

Age 79 of Oakdale, MN Loving husband, father and g’pa Preceded in death by parents, Robert & Evelyn; siblings Christie (Tom) Olson, Ron Smith, Greg Smith, Steve Smith; brothers-in-law Rudy Torres & Dave Carlson; sister-in-law, Maureen Carlson. Survived by the love of his life married for 55 years, Joan Marie Smith; sister, Sue (Thomas) Pihl; sisters-in-law, Judy (Rod) Toft and Mona Smith; brother-in-law, Don Carlson; children, Scott (Michelle) Smith, Heidi (Kjell) Ferris, Todd Smith (Katy Prenevost); adored grandchildren, Madeline, Tyler, Gabrielle, Eleanor, Iris, Owen & Avery; many nieces, nephews, and countless lifelong friends. Royal grew up on the Eastside of St. Paul, graduated in 1962 from Johnson High School and married Joan in 1967. They lived in their house in Oakdale and enjoyed the woods, wildlife, and gardens. He taught for over a decade in the Stillwater district then jumped into selling real estate in 1981. Butch enjoyed gardening, fishing, biking, swimming, traveling around the country in their RV and in tours around the world. Royal valued family and friends. He loved chatting with everyone. A service for Royal will be held on Monday, February 6, 2023, 11:00 a.m. Visitation at 9:30 a.m. at St Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi. There will be a luncheon after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred The Nature Conservancy for his love of nature and Memorial Blood Center for giving Royal for countless transfusions over the last year. Special thank you to his caregivers and medical staff. Livestream for service: https://control.resi.io/webplayer/video.html?id=ea98a04e-f2ba-46f5-a03c-8fa1b2c7e003