Benjamin Smithson Jr.

Benjamin Smithson Jr. 85, of Homestead, formerly of Iron Mountain and Alpha went to be with his Lord on Friday, August 14, 2015 at Evergreen Assisted Living in Kingsford. He was born on November 4, 1929 in Alpha, Michigan, the son of the late Benjamin Sr. and Vienna (La Pisto) Smithson. Ben graduated from Alpha High School in 1947. He then joined the U.S. Air Force and served from 1947-1952 in the Korean War. Ben lived in Alpha and served as the Alpha Village Manager until 1977, when he moved to Iron Mountain. He worked at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as a fire officer. For many years, Ben dressed as Smokey the Bear for area parades and school programs. Ben was always very happy to announce that he was born and raised in Alpha, MI. He had a strong faith and faithfully prayed for his family and loved ones daily. He was a sweet and endearing man, who was generous and kind in heart and spirit. He loved his family and embraced everyone, his family and friends, his children and grandchildren with a compassionate and a giving spirit. He always made a point to tell everyone “I Love You!” Ben was a faithful member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a life member of both the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post #50 and the VFW post in Alpha. He proudly wore his Air Force hat everywhere he went and easily struck up many conversations with others who had served. He enjoyed participating in Bible Studies and Worship Services with family and friends in Iron Mountain, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Metropolitan, Abiding Word Church in Felch and faithfully attended Catholic Worship Services at Evergreen where he recently lived. He enjoyed traveling and bowling, and loved to attend dinner and dance events. Ben was dedicated to his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He loved to watch his grandchildren play; he was amazed at their energy and loved their hugs. Grandpa Ben (Midge) was always present and was a VIP with all of his family. Ben married Gertrude L. Bara Kasten in August of 1968 and she preceded him in death June of 1994. He married Doris Lantz Grunlund Nault in March of 1999 and she preceded him in death in January of 2013. Ben is survived by three children Steven (Heather) Smithson of Fredericksburg, VA, Ken Kasten of Homestead,WI, and Gayle (Ed) Gorman of Ironwood, MI, four stepchildren Regan (Deby) Grunlund of Howell, MI, Leon (Kathleen) Grunlund of Norway Lake, Debra (Allen) Dixon of Norway Lake, and Rosanne (Rex) Cosgrove of Sagle, ID, one sister Rita Pozza of Fairfax Station, VA, brothers and sisters-in-law Marge Smithson of Crystal Falls, Carolyn Smithson of Crystal Falls and Donna Edwards of Oscoda, MI; Herbert (Carol) Lantz, Don (Janet) Lantz and Blanch Lantz all of Felch, Rocky Rasmussen and Delores Lantz of Newberry Park, California, a beloved granddaughter whom he raised Katrinka Peterman, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, including his namesake Benjamin Smithson III, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by three children Larry, Teri, and Bradley Smithson, brothers Russell Smithson and Lyle Smithson, brothers Earl Smithson and Richard Smithson (who died as small children), one sister Ruthann Weber, and one brother-in-law Jack Pozza. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:30am -12 noon at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday at 12:30 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Monsignor James Kaczmarek will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. A luncheon will be held at the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Hall following the services. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Crystal Falls. Flowers will be provided by the family. Condolences to the family of Benjamin Smithson may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Benjamin Smithson Jr.

November 4, 1929 - August 14, 2015