Harry W. Smith

Harry W. Smith, age 88, of Gaastra, MI, passed away on Monday, September 3, 2018 at the Aspirus Iron River Hospital. He was born on December 2, 1929 in Iron River, MI; the son of the late Benjamin and Albina (Deladio) Smith. Harry attended the Iron River Schools. He served his country in the US Army from 1946 to 1948 in Europe with the Military Police, earning the Army Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Harry married Betty Franzene on September 17, 1949 in Iron River, and they made their home in Gaastra. The couple celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last year.     He was employed as a miner in the local mines for MA Hanna for 30 years. Harry was very involved in his community, serving as former Mayor, City Commissioner, and City Manager of Gaastra. He was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian. He loved to hunt and fish and was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.    Harry is survived by his wife, Betty; sons, Douglas and Richard Smith of Palmer, AK and Randall (Toni) Smith of Columbia, SC; daughters, Lori (Steven) Ehlers of Sturgeon Bay, WI and Julie (Tom) Lishner of Gilbert, AZ; brother, Robert (Dolores) Smith of Roseburg, OR; sister, Joan Eaton of Farmington, NM; 12 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and extended family. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Rose Dzanbazoff. A graveside service will be held on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 11am at Bates Township Cemetery with Rev. Gregory Veneklase to offer graveside prayers. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harry W. Smith, please visit our flower store.