Thomas Smith

Thomas Smith, age 93, of Bemidji, MN, passed away Monday, June 29, 2026, at Trillium in Bemidji.

Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bemidji, with Pastor Les Uhrinak officiating.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Monday, July 6, 2026, at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji; and one hour prior to the church service.  Interment will be at St. Mark’s Cemetery in Frohn Township, MN, under the direction of Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home in Bemidji. 

Tom was born September 4, 1932, in Shevlin, Minnesota, the son of Arlie and Catherine (Gustafsson) Smith.  He grew up and attended school in Shevlin, MN.   He joined the Army and served during Korean Conflict.  After his military service he graduated from Machinist Trade School in Fargo, ND.

On July 1, 1956, he married Arlene Burr and they made their home in Bemidji, MN.  This past Wednesday they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. 

Tom worked at Bemidji Auto Parts as a machinist for 18 years.  He then went into teaching and taught the Automotive Machinist Program at Bemidji Vo-Tech for 17 years.  He retired in May, 1993, with a square dance party at the Elks Club.  After retirement Tom continued working on motors and cars and tractors for many years at Tom’s Auto Repair. His nieces and nephews always knew, “Uncle Tom could fix it”.

Tom loved to fish, hunt, and be outdoors.  He enjoyed dancing and square dancing, playing cards, bowling, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.  He also enjoyed working on engines, old cars, tractors and being on the farm. Tom was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a member of Trinity’s Men’s Club and Active Christian Fellowship.  He served as a Trustee at Trinity for many years.  Tom helped lay the cornerstone of the church when it was dedicated in 1964.   Tom was also a member of the Bemidji Eagles Club and the American Legion Club.

Tom is survived by his children: Kelvin (Paula) Smith; Roger Smith; Delores (Jeff) Aldinger; and Les (Vicky) Smith.  Grandchildren: Brian (Molly) Smith; Kyle (Rachel) Smith; Ashley and Nick Aldinger; and Quentin and Marshall Smith. Great Grandchildren: Kailee and Jaxon Smith and Addie Smith.  Tom is also survived by sisters-in-laws: Blanche Smith; Dexie Smith; Doris Thorson; Lila Bruun; Marie (Mike) Porter and brother-in law Robert (Audrey) Burr and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene, seven weeks ago (May 12, 2026).  His parents, brothers - John, Walt, Jim, George, and sisters - Margaret, Dorothy, Alice, and Eva.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, Bemidji or Sanford Bemidji Hospice.

The family would like to thank Trillium and the Sanford Bemidji Hospice staff for their loving care they provided to Tom.

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