Robert I Smith
December 17, 1922 - October 9, 2018
Robert Irving Smith of Fremont, NE passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 9, 2018.
Robert was born to Frank S. and Adah (Humphrey) Smith, December 17, 1922 in Nevada, Missouri. The family moved to Kiowa, Kansas where he spent his youth and graduated from high school. Robert married Ovidia Marie Norbye on February 22, 1944. Of this union they had six children. They were married for 71 years prior to Ovidia's passing July 11, 2015.
Bob and Ovidia were residents of Kansas and Oklahoma prior to their move to Fremont in 1956. In Oxford, KS he owned the KT Oil Service Station. The family moved to Fairfax, OK in 1954 where he leased and managed an alfalfa processing plant. In Fremont, he worked for and then became the managing partner/owner of Dehy Incorporated (an alfalfa processing plant) in 1970. Bob served as President of the Nebraska Dehydrators Association in 1980. Bob sold his share in the company and retired in 1984.
Bob was a Rotarian, and a member of Golden Kiwanis serving as Golden Kiwanis President in 1999. He has been a member of the First Congregational Church, U.C.C. since 1968 where he served on many councils, committees, was a deacon, and served as church moderator. His love of God and family were the cornerstones of his life.
Survivors include: Son, Scott Norbye Smith, Omaha. Daughters, Janice Laughlin, Omaha; Barbara (David) Christiansen, Lakewood, CO; Kay (Craig) Guffey, Corsica, SD; Kathy (Jeff) Nelson, Fremont, NE; and Carol Smith, Fremont, NE. Sister-in-law, Rosalia Lohmeier, Limon, CO. and Sister-in-law, Dorice Norbye, Limon, CO. Grandchildren: Keith Becker, Karen Becker, Tammy Becker-Bieniasz, Kenneth Becker, Shelley (Larry) Hastreiter, Christy Smith, Amy (Ben) Morrow, Clete (Michelle) Christiansen, Melissa (Alex) Crosby, Chad Hooker, Jodie (Steve) Schafer, Michael Nelson and Ryan Nelson. Bob was also blessed with 21 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, 7 brothers, 3 sisters, 9 brothers-in-law, 11 sisters-in-law, one son-in-law, one great-grandchild, 2 nieces and 9 nephews.
A memorial service will be held Friday, 10:30am on October 26 at the First Congregational Church, UCC in Fremont. Visitation with the family will be held at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel from 6-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 25. Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational Church, UCC.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Obituary Provided By:
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE 68025
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