David Smith

David Carleton Smith was born on January 4, 1942, to Carleton Smith and Lily LeRoux of White Bear Lake, where he attended St. Mary’s School through 8^th grade and White Bear Lake High School through 10^th grade. White Bear Lake is where David called home most of his life, including where he worked and raised his children.

David was the ninth out of eleven children in his family, all of whom he loved dearly. He had an incredibly close relationship with his brother Dick, born just 14 months after him, with whom he shared a passion for building and fixing cars. Eventually, Dick would race the cars that he and Dave would build together. Dave’s passion for cars continued to grow throughout his life as he worked for numerous dealerships and body shops, starting when he completed 10^th grade. You could always find him at car shows such as Back to the 50s.

David married Judy, his beloved wife of 62 years, in 1962 in White Bear Lake. David’s love and admiration for Judy was and always had been one of the strongest and most sincere of anybody you would ever meet. This past year, even though living with Alzheimer's, Dave’s caretakers found a letter that Dave had written: "Judy will always be the love of my life. I will love her forever.” Judy and Dave have five sons together: Jeff, Tim (Suzy), Dave (Missy), Mike, and Jeremy (Hannah), who gave Judy and Dave nine grandchildren, all of whom he would support with unwavering love and loyalty.

Just as important and steadfast as his love for Judy and his sons, Dave had a fierce faith and love in God. Dave’s mother, Lily, helped instill this strong faith and reverence that Dave carried with him throughout his entire life. His faith guided Dave through difficult times and gave him his worry-free approach to life. Dave has never feared what would happen after his life on earth; even when he prayed the Lord’s Prayer with Judy during his last weeks, he was unafraid, as God’s love guided him.

David was selfless, always thinking about others before himself, which was paired with an innate sense of goodness and loyalty. In his eyes, other people, especially his family, always should come before him. If you needed something, Dave would be there to assist in any way he could, whether moving across the country, snowmobiling a trail together, or building a car that you would have to piece together over time.

David passed away peacefully after battling Alzheimer's on Monday, October 23, 2023, merely two months after his dear brother Dick passed. Dave is survived by his siblings, Roger, Gloria, Durelle, and Vicki. Dave is joining his parents, his siblings, Lowell, Beverly, Maurene, Roxanne, Deanna, and Dick, as well as other family members and friends that went before him.

You will be forever remembered for the incredible brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend that you were to so many people on earth. You will forever be remembered for your love, loyalty, passion, faith, and selflessness from generation to generation. Until we join you, we wish you peace and love as you begin your new chapter absent from the suffering of Alzheimer’s with those who left this earth before you and continue hand in hand with God.

A funeral mass celebrating Dave will be on Friday, October 27, 2023, at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in White Bear Lake. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 AM. Funeral Mass will start at 11:00 AM, followed by a burial at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Cemetery.

In memoriam donations can be made to Judy Smith to help cover funeral costs.