Robert Gordon Smith, age 83, passed away peacefully in his home on April 8, 2026. He was born on February 3, 1943, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC and ultimately made his home in Saginaw, MN, where he spent the final 34 years of his life.

Robert was a proud and decorated United States Army Veteran who served as a Staff Sergeant in the Signal Corps. During his military career, he completed four tours in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart along with many other medals, honors, and commendations for his bravery and service to his country.

Following his military career, Robert settled in San Diego, California, where he met and married the love of his life, Donna. Together they raised three children while Robert worked as a supervisor at Chemtronics. Some of his proudest professional accomplishments during this time included working on Black Hawk military helicopters and rocket ships that were later sent to space.

Later, Robert and his family moved to Minnesota, where he became the supervisor at Toys “R” Us in Duluth. He helped open the Duluth location and managed the store until the day it closed, marking the beginning of his retirement.

Robert was known as “Papa” to many and loved deeply by all who knew him. He had a larger-than-life personality, a stubborn streak, and a sense of humor that could light up a room. He never went anywhere without running into someone he knew, and he never missed the opportunity to stop and visit. In the mornings, you could always find him grinding his coffee beans before making coffee stronger than most could handle. He loved the Army, NASA, football, horse racing, music, and movies. He enjoyed mowing the lawn almost daily, spending time outside with his chickens, and loved watching the ships come through Canal Park. He especially loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who brought him endless pride and joy. Of all the titles he held in life, being “Papa” was the one he cherished most. He loved attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s games and activities and rarely missed a chance to cheer them on.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herold and Carolyne Smith; his brother, Gerald Smith; his nephew, Kevin Smith; and his niece, Shannon Smith.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Donna Smith; his children, Christina Villanueva, Daniel Smith, and Shawna Zimmerman; his grandchildren, Ale DeJesus, Victor (Tessa) DeJesus, Tatianna (Trey) Karppinen, Robert (Carmen) Zimmerman, Katrina Smith, and David Stiles; his great-grandchildren, Victor, Karter, Myles, Lorelai, Ezra, Lyla, Kenny, Isabella, and Kassidy; and his nephew, Randy.

A service honoring Robert’s life and military service will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, 4777 US-53, Saginaw, MN 55779.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the VA and all those who provided Robert with care, support, and compassion throughout the years.

He will be remembered for his military service, his strength, his humor, his stories, his stubborn spirit, and the deep love he had for his family.