Thomas Franklin Smude, September 7, 1942 to August 7, 2011
Tom was born and raised in Pine Center, Minnesota.
In service to his country, he enlisted in the Navy from 1959 to 1963. He spent most of his working life in the lumber and hardware industry, ending his career in Grand Marais, with his own business, D&T Lumber Company.
He retired to Canada in 1995 and after enjoying seven years of retirement with fishing and traveling, he began a new venture in Thunder Bay, Ontario, when he purchased Gino’s Pizza. He was forced to retire from that business due to his illness.
He continued to venture into new areas by writing a book about his life and then he became the first renal patient in Thunder Bay to do his hemodialysis at home. He was always up for a challenge.
He was predeceased by his father Frank Smude, his mother Rose Smude (Schmolke) and his sister Shirley Zebroski (Schmolke).
He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Karen Smude (Feaver); his children Cheryl Smude, Tyra Smude, Tony Smude (Vanessa), Adam Smude (Desiree), Jacob Smude (Sommer); his stepchildren Brett Prunskus (Debbie), Candace Stark (Dan), Dustin Tavener, Kristi Tavener (Kyle) and his grandchildren Gavin, Kyle, Hunter, Tonda, Isaac, Jenner, Elijah and Naomi.
He is also survived by his brother Ralph and sisters Dorothy and Maxine.
According to Tom’s wishes, cremation has already taken place.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at his home on September 6, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to T.B.R.H.S.C., the Canadian Cancer Society, The Kidney Foundation, or the Ontario Humane Society would be appreciated.
On-line condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
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