Robert Smith

We lost the man on the other side of the phone, on the other side of the desk. 

Robert “Bob” Lester Smith passed away on Monday, September 28 th , 2026, at his beautiful home in Pequot Lakes, MN surrounded by the love of his large family. His loss will leave a huge hole in the lives and hearts of the people he touched over his 82 years. 

Born to Lester and Irene Smith on June 2,1944, he was the youngest of three children. He grew up and attended high school in Anoka, Minnesota, where tales of his adventures and escapades abound with his friends through those years, including playing the guitar in a rock band. He later attended St. Cloud State University and graduated with an accounting degree. He worked hard throughout his life and supported his family by operating a series of businesses and tax practice into his retirement years. He generously shared both his time and talents with family and friends. We will miss hearing his voice. 

He lived in Anoka for over 60 years before moving ‘Up North’ to live at the place where his love of the outdoors thrived in Pequot Lakes. He enjoyed early mornings looking over the lake and into the woods with a cup of coffee and his ever-present pipe. He welcomed everyone into his home and office, where his frequent visitors shared their own cup, and the chance to sit across from him at his desk imparting wisdom to each other. Bob listened, shared experiences, offered ideas and advice, and was there for his family, friends, neighbors and clients. He had faith in God. 

He loved the land at Upper Hay Lake - being outdoors, building and tending to his yard, home and office. He loved being on his tractor, mowing and shoveling snow from his property and being available to help his neighbors. 

His most enduring legacy is the family he cherished. He married Sharon in 1965, and together they were blessed with four daughters: Julie, Wendy, Robin, Susan. In 1990 he married Sandra and welcomed Lisa and Jason. In 2021 he married Jan, and Chris and Annie became part of the blended family he built over a lifetime. That family reached well beyond his own household to friends, cousins, nieces and nephews, and in time to sons- and daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They will miss him dearly and the life lessons he left them: have compassion, follow your instincts, and love one another. The annual Fourth of July weekend at the lake kept growing, a living testament to the place he held in the lives of those who made a point of being there. 

Bob is survived by his wife Jan, children and stepchildren, 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lynn, his brother Dennis, his wife Sandra and former wife Sharon. 

Bob’s Celebration of Life will be held Monday, October 12 at 11 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 30985 Front St., Pequot Lakes, MN. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. at the church. Bob loved a good flannel, so feel free to wear yours.

A Private Family Interment will follow. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Pequot Lakes.