Vernon Fredrick Smith, age 86, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester.

Vernon was born February 10, 1933 in Rochester, to Valentine and Ella (Ranfranz) Smith. He graduated 10th grade in 1949, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17. He served for 3 years, from April 1950 to May 14, 1953, obtaining the rank of Sergeant in the Army  11th Airborne Division "The Angels" Medical Battalion. He started with Basic Training in California, then went to Fort Campbell, KY. His duties were to drive ambulance from the dispensary to the hospital, and to haul casualties from the drop zone to the hospital. He then went to Clarksville, TN to complete Jump School. Although he served during the Korean war, he was never deployed overseas. They kept him stateside to train other soldiers.

Prior to his enlistment, at the age of 8 he worked for 2 years at Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store, then as a bus boy at the Zumbro Hotel Cafeteria for 2 years. When he returned home from the service in 1953 he worked for Rochester Dairy for 3 months. His brother-in-law Les trained him to do carpentry work, and helped him get a job. He then worked at Max Gas Station and Gopher Airport at the same time. He continued his career at the airport (about 20 years with Gopher, and 20 years with Mayo) for about 44 years. He drove truck, and hauled airplane engines around the states. He also worked maintenance and for the line department, which was taking care of and fueling airplanes as they came in. He cared for the terminal and cleared snow from the runways.

Vernon had a pilot's license, and enjoyed taking his kids up in small airplanes over Rochester. He also owned a 1947 Indian motorcycle, which his children enjoyed riding with him.

In 1950, he met Terry Christensen and they were married in 1955 at the Little Brown Church in Iowa. In the mid 1970s, Terry and Vernon moved out of Rochester to Lake Zumbro where they built their dream home and retired. Vernon turned that property into a park. He brought in old fashioned light poles from downtown Rochester. The lake property was his pride and joy where shared many fun times and good memories with his family.  He loved working in the yard, and was always fixing things. He also enjoyed boating, water skiing, riding the four wheeler, and his motorcycle. His favorite things to talk about were the history of Rochester, old cars and planes.

Vernon was a wonderful husband and father. He always took care of his family, and they knew they could count on him. He will be truly missed.

Vernon is preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Sherri Kiehne; six sisters, and three  brothers.

Vernon is survived by his two children, Pamela Kiehne of Grand Meadow, and Wayne Smith of Rochester; seven grandchildren, Shannon (Justin) Moberg of Eagan, MN, Christopher Kiehne (Brianne) of Big Lake, MN, Stephanie (Corey) Knutson of Rochester, Jonathan (Darla) Kiehne of Eden Prairie, MN, Jeff (Liz) Golenzer of Rochester, Vanessa Smith of LaVerne, AL, and Brysen Smith of LaVerne, AL; five great-grandchildren, Violet, William, Carley, Landon, and Willem;  and sister, Marietta Brown Rockford, IL.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 11:00 AM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester with Rev. Lester Horntvedt officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.