Cloquet, Minnesota
Robert Paul Smith, 77, of Cloquet, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007 at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth. He was born in Duluth in 1930 to Frank and Mary Smith. He attended Catholic and public schools in Duluth. Robert married Rose Marie Tromblay on July 6, 1949 in Duluth. They moved to Cloquet in 1959 where he worked for Potlatch Corporation for 38 years, retiring in 1991. He was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. Robert was an avid fisherman, hunter and a loving family man. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Frank; and two daughters, Joanne and Julie Ann. Robert is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rose Marie of Cloquet; one son, Stephen (Cheryl) Smith of Grand Rapids; two daughters, Susan (Joel) Bjorklund of Buffalo, Minn. and Michelle ( Michael) Pease of Cloquet; his grandchildren, Melissa (Matt) Spike of Annandale, Andrew (fiance, Sarah) Bjorklund of Buffalo, Tony Pease of Hibbing, Nick Pease of Cloquet, Craig (fiance, Dayna and her son, Alec) Larson of St. Cloud, and Reed (Wendy) Larson of Willmar; two great grandchildren, Noah and Joey Spike; one brother, Bill (Claire) Smith of Bloomington; one sister, Mary (Neil) Ruhman of Gordon, Wis.; a sister-in-law, Shay Tromblay of Duluth and several nieces and nephews. VISITATION:4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007 with a 7 p.m. rosary in Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. Visitation will continue from 10 until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 in Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Cloquet. Burial will be at New Calvary Cemetery, Cloquet. Memorials may be made to Solvay Hospice House, 801 Baylis Street, Duluth, MN 55811. To sign the guestbook and leave an online tribute, see www.northlandfuneralhome.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Duluth News Tribune.
I miss you more than you know! I think of you and grandma all the time. You two held our family together. I'm blessed that you got to meet your great grandsons. I love you always
Melissa Menne
April 17, 2025
Dear Rosie: Our deepest sympathy and prayer are with you. God Bless you and your family. Sincerely, Clyde(Kip) & Brenda Royer
Clyde Royer
November 30, 2007 | Hermantown, MN
From the moment your family walked in the door, I could sence the strong family union that you, Rose and Bob had created. It was such a pleasure to be able to serve you. I wish you all the best now and forever.
Jodi Burton
November 30, 2007 | Wascott, WI
Michelle, Michael and family- I am so sorry to read of your father's passing. I knew I recognized him; it had to be from Blackwoods. You will be in our prayers.
Kelly (formerly Kitch) & Nate Alvar...your old co-workers from BW Cloquet.
Kelly Alvar
November 30, 2007 | Duluth, MN
It was an honor and privilege to meet Bob and family and be part of his care team. Please know that you are, and will continue to be, remembered with caring heart. I wish you Peace.
Marlys Stainbrook, Volunteer
Solvay Hospice House
Marlys Stainbrook
November 29, 2007 | Duluth, MN
What a joy and an honor to have shared the past couple of weeks with all of you. Bob had the most infectious sense of humor - he will be missed.
Patty Isakson, Volunteer
Solvay Hospice House
Patty Isakson
November 29, 2007 | Duluth (Solvay House)
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. It was a pleasure meeting the Smith family. Rose you give me so much inspiration and I want you to know that. May peace be with you and your family at this most difficult time. God bless you all.
Jody Talerico (Solvay secretary)
November 29, 2007 | Duluth
Dear Rose and Family:
It was a privilege to know you all and to take care of Bob these past two weeks. You are all wonderful and I will never forget you.
Bob is a special person. I loved his smile, the twinkle in his eyes and his sense of humor.
May the angels of peace be with you always.
Paula Smith, RN Solvay Hospice House
Paula Smith
November 29, 2007 | Duluth, MN
