Claude Stewart Smith, age 86, of 7405 Sunset Lane, Rapid River, MI 49878, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Claude was born in Deerfield Township, MI. on February 17, 1930, the son of Nobel Ray and Edith (Steward) Smith. He was the youngest of 9 children and was raised on a 160 acre farm where he learned the business of hard work. He left high school in the 10th grade to work in a car factory in Pontiac and then for Chrysler in Detroit. He valued his education and with the support of his family, returned to school and at the age of 48 received his diploma from Westwood High School in 1979.
In 1952, he married Holly Heath and together they had five children; Emily, Guy, Claudia, Yvonne and Antionette.
In 1955, Claude began his long career as a sheet metal worker, a profession which he held until his retirement in 1990.
In 1968, he moved to the Upper Peninsula where he met Sandra Torreano. They were married December 20,1974 and established a home in West Ishpeming, raising three more children, Rico, Barry and Valentina. In 1990, they retired and made their move to the Stonington Peninsula. Claude was an avid fisherman and deer hunter. He enjoyed snowmobiling, woodworking, making pickles, sauerkraut, and maple syrup.
In addition to his loving wife, Sandra, Claude is survived by:
Children: Guy (Susan) Smith of Ishpeming
Claudia (Michael) Anderson of Medford, OR
Yvonne (William) Nelson of Ishpeming
Rico (Hope) Torreano of Marquette
Barry (Mary) Torreano of Negaunee
Valentina Torreano of Monroe, NJ
16 Grandchildren
17 Great Grandchildren
and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Claude was preceded in death by:
his parents
3 Brothers: Wayne, Clarence, and Ray Smith
5 Sisters: Margaret, Ruth, Virginia, Evelyn, and Merle
2 Daughters: Emily Biesecker and Antionette Moreno
Claude was a man of incredible integrity, strength and honesty. He demonstrated a lifetime of hard work, respect and responsibility to his family and above all else, he gave them unconditional love.
A memorial service for Claude is scheduled for Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. inside the chapel at Northland Chapel Gardens in Negaunee, Michigan, with Reverend Dr. Douglas Mercer officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service and a gathering for coffee and dessert will follow. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Smith family. Please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com where you can express your sympathy to the family
Charles Lapicola - Fredonia, WI
Claude was the best neighbor I ever had. He was always there to help if he was needed. He was a very smart man and taught me a lot. In the 10 years since Sharon and I moved to Wisconsin, I have thought of him often and missed him as much. I will miss the times we would go ice fishing and at least catch some bottle bass. Claude was a good man.
Frank Lorsbach - Marquette , MI
Claude made the best maple syrup! I always enjoyed talking and sharing a laugh with both of you, Sandy, and I was saddened learning about Claude. I know he will be missed, and you and your family are in my thoughts.
THOMAS AND BONNIE SHIMON - PORT CHARLOTTE, FL
SANDRA..WE SHARE IN YOUR SADNESS, OUR CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR YOU AND THE FAMILIES! PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH. TOM AND BONNIE SHIMON
Ann Carter - Marquette, MI
A kind man and wonderful neighbor on Sunset Lane. He was a great friend and very supportive of my parents as they spent their final years there.
Lois Berglund Kampe
Dear Sandy and Family,So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Frank Lorsbach - Marquette , MI
Claude made the best maple syrup! I always enjoyed talking and sharing a laugh with both of you, Sandy, and I was saddened learning about Claude. I know he will be missed, and you and your family are in my thoughts.