Gerald Smuda Sr

Gerald W. Smuda Sr., age 73 of Faribault, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at his home following an extended illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, March 17, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault. Interment will be at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Sunday from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. and on Monday for one hour prior to the services at the church.

Gerald Walter Smuda, was born on November 14, 1940 in Faribault to Walter and Louise (LeMieux) Smuda. He graduated from Bethlehem Academy with the class of 1959. He married Mary Ann Gillis on January 14, 1961 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Faribault. Gerald worked for several construction companies and retired from J&K Masonry. He belonged to Labor Union 132. Following his retirement, Gerald worked several years at HyVee in Faribault. He and Mary enjoyed the outdoors and nature together. They often visited the River Bend Nature Center, enjoyed bird watching, and took great pride in caring for their home and garden. She preceded him in death on August 3, 2010. He was a member of the Faribault Council 889 Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by three children, Gerald II (and Lisa) Smuda of Faribault, Thomas (and Tina) Smuda of Hershey, PA and Kimberly (and John) Aube of Faribault; by six grandchildren, Jade Smuda, Justin Aube, Jake Smuda, Kendra Aube, Jared Smuda and Anna Smuda; two sisters, Carol Van Houdt of Centerville, MN, and Lois Deutsch of LeCenter, MN; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; and his parents.

Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Academy or the donor's choice in memory of Gerald.