Joseph Raymond Smith

Joseph Raymond Smith, 79, passed away November 11, 2015 at Sanford Health, Bismarck. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 10:30 AM at Church of St. Anne in Bismarck with Rev. Corey Nelson officiating. Burial will be held on Monday at 2:00 PM at the ND Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Eastgate Funeral Service where a vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Monday one hour prior to the service at the church. Joseph was born on December 18, 1935, in Fairmount, ND, the son of Irvin and Geneva Smith. He was raised and attended school in Bismarck and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. In his younger years, Joseph was a gold glove boxer and he served in the United States Navy. After serving four years in the navy, he met and married Louella (Sieglock) Smith. He later went on to serve in several state government agencies. In his later years, he continued to pursue his career in the insurance industry. Joseph led a full life. He loved spending time with family and friends. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed attending many local sporting events. Joseph is survived by his children, Jeffrey Smith, Phoenix, AZ, Michael (Cori) Smith, Snohomish, WA, Patrick Smith, Bismarck, and Jennifer (Scott) Shafer, Phoenix, AZ; his grandchildren, Desiree (Caleb) Yeigh, Aberdeen, SD, Joshua Smith, Wessington, SD, Alexa Shafer, and Aydan Shafer; his great-grandchildren, Kyrie Yeigh and Jeremiah Yeigh; his brother, Irvin (Marsha) Smith III, Bismarck; and his sister-in-law, Sharon Smith, Bismarck. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Louella; and his brother, Thomas.