Walter Smestad

Walter N. Smestad, 73, of Superior, Wisconsin passed away June 24, 2020 after a long battle with cancer.

Walter was born November 4, 1946 in Little Falls, MN to Noble and Beryl (Tronson) Smestad. He grew up on the family farm in Swanville, MN, where he really enjoyed farm work, especially working the fields on the tractor. His love for driving transitioned him to eventually finding a career as a truck driver. He owned his own trucking business for many years that was based at the Superior grain docks. He drove truck through much of the United States, contributing to the essential food-chain supply. Later, he worked with the Teamsters Union on the oil pipeline throughout the upper midwest.

For over 50 years, he was married to Grace (Cole). They lived in Superior for most of their married life. Walt enjoyed fishing on Lake Superior, BWCA canoe trips, chatting with his coffee club, Texas Hold Em poker tournaments, reading, and singing karaoke. Walt was a lifelong long gun collector, hunter and competitive shooter, and was a long time member of the Black River Bandits, a Cowboy Fast Draw club. “Swan River Kid” as he was known was an excellent shot and won many awards over the years. He took much pride in his membership in this club.

Walt is survived by his three children: Lee Mueller (Susie), of Moorhead, MN, Brian Smestad (Kit) of Baldwin, WI, and Sheila Combs of Janesville, WI. His grandchildren, Morgan, Madison, Mickinley, Mercadez and Domingo of Moorhead, MN, Ariel of Fort Worth, TX, Wyatt and Vaughan of Baldwin, WI, Eric and Sam of Janesville, WI, and a great grandson, William of Moorhead; his brothers, Melvin (Julie) Smestad, & Edward Smestad; sisters, Helen (Tom) Hoffman, Lois (Fred) Hallberg and Irene Kennedy; and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Noble and Beryl (Tronson) Smestad, his brother, Raymond Smestad, his wife, Grace (Cole) Smestad, his daughter, Kim Lassa and his son, Eric Smestad.