David Neil Smith

David N. Smith, age 74, of Annandale, died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 30, 2018.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale with Fr. Andrew Stueve as Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 3:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday at the Smith Family home. Further visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church with burial at North Corinna Cemetery.

David Neil Smith was born January 25, 1944 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Lester and Evelyn (LaBrasseur) Smith. David grew up in Hopkins where he graduated high school in 1962. Following graduation he entered the United States Army. On June 30, 1967, David married Clarice Alma Comer at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Robbinsdale. David worked for Honeywell and Tonka Toys before working the better part of his career at his own business, Prototype Products. He retired in 2002. In 2004 David and Clare moved from Maple Grove to their current residence on Clearwater Lake where their story together began. David was a master of numerous trades and craft including Engineering, design, toolmaking, machines, R/C aircraft, carpentry, remodeling, boat building and invention. David’s creative mind and inventive skills served him well in his career. Over the years he developed many innovative products for others as well as having invented and patented a few of his own. A man of tremendous grit and work ethic, his skillful hands could make or do anything his mind could imagine! Being a true outdoorsman he enjoyed year round fishing, golfing, camping, hunting, playing on the water in boats he built and raced or waterskiing, David never turned down the opportunity to be outside. He was blessed with a handsome voice and would often sing while playing his guitar. He loved to play cards, you name the game. Above all, David cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

David is survived by his wife of 51 years, Clare of Annandale; children, Leslee (Barry) Nelson of Olatha, Kansas, Neil (Ellen) Smith of Chaska, and Jeryl (Yoko) Smith of Meridianville, Alabama; 7 grandchildren, Jadie, Luke and Eric Nelson, Matthew, Evelyn, Higen, and Senna Smith; sisters, Karen (Virgil) Larson of Annandale, and Susan (Frank) Courtright of Champlin; nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law, Catherine & Jack Varner.

Neil and Jeryl will serve as urnbearers. St. Ignatius Music Ministry will provide music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.

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