Eugene E. Smith, 95, of Two Harbors, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center, just three days before his 96th birthday, with his wife of 57½ years holding his hand.
Gene was born January 6, 1928, to Edwin and Agnes (Spillum) Smith in Minneapolis, grew up in Knife River, and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he returned to Two Harbors and was employed as a police officer for many years for the City of Two Harbors, retiring as Assistant Chief in 1983.
Gene was a member of the American Legion, the Loyal Order of Moose and the VFW, where he was a past Commander. He was also a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where he served on the Church Council and enjoyed singing in the choir.
He enjoyed clearing trails in the woods for snowmobile and ATV riding, and summers fishing and boating on Lake Vermilion.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jim; sisters, Andrea, Marilyn and Barbara; a son, Brad Smith; and son-in-law, Glen Wolf.
He is survived by his wife, Alice; children, Stefanie (Jim) Feralin, Suzette Smith, Bruce (Kim) Smith, Bryan (Jan) Smith, Julie Wolf, and Stacey (Mike) Socha; 14 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
The family would like to acknowledge, Dr. Susan Anderson, Kyle Costley, and the amazing doctors and nurses on the 10th & 11th floors of Essentia Hospital. We will be forever grateful for your compassionate care.
Visitation will be from 1 PM until the 2 PM service on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Two Harbors. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery.
To share a memory or leave an online condolence, visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
