Obituary of John Arthur Smith

John Arthur Smith, 69, of Brookston, passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2021, in St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, with his family by his side.  John was born on June 20, 1952, in Duluth to Arthur Smith and LaVonne-Dottie (Couture) Smith.  He graduated from Albrook High School in 1972.  The day after graduation John entered the United States Army where he served in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1975.  John attended and graduated from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Police Academy, Brigham City, Utah in 1978.  On October 7, 1978, John married the love of his life, Patricia (Melin).  Together they raised their family in Brookston.

John worked for Fond du Lac Resource Management as an Assistant Director/Chief Conservation Officer protecting resources both on and off the reservation.  He also served as interim police chief for the Fond du Lac Police Department.  John served as a District III Representative for the Fond du Lac Reservation Business Committee. 

John enjoyed hunting, fishing, and visiting with family and friends along with being a prankster. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Dottie Smith; wife, Patty and nephew, Daniel Hink.

He is survived by his son, Mathew Smith; daughters, Karen (Ben) Smith and Kerri Smith; stepdaughters, Leann (Dale) Reynolds, Tammy (Marc) Erickson and Melissa (Rick) Carlson; brother, Michael (Susan) Smith; sisters, Joan (Joe) Lisson, Rozanne (Bill) Hink, Linda (Steve) Nelson, Lois Smith, and Terri (Tom) Gradine; sisters-in-law, Marsha Lundberg, Beverly (Randy) Willeck and Barbara (Pete) Bober; brothers-in-law, Tom Melin and John Melin.  He is survived by his six grandsons, Derrick Reynolds, Donovan Smith, Cody Erickson, Devin Reynolds, Nick Erickson and Tyler Selin; two granddaughters, Rhiley Smith and Mia McKeon; and four great grandchildren.  Special family member Alexis Jung; special great grandson, Elliot Anderson; numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, colleagues and friends.  John was a pillar of his family and will be dearly missed.  He is now reunited with his beloved wife.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. in the Arrowhead Town Hall, 9798 US-2, Brookston, MN 55711 with a visitation one hour prior.  A procession will be escorted from the town hall by the Fond du Lac DNR and Police Department. Burial will be at Culver Cemetery in the spring with Military Honors. Masks and social distancing are required.