Thomas Smith

The Funeral Service for Thomas J. Smith of New Richland will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at the First Congregational Church in New Richland . The Reverend Pamela Jensen will officiate. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery, New Richland . Military honors will be accorded by New Richland Veteran’s Organizations. Visitation will

be from 4-8 Monday at the First Congregational Church in New Richland and one hour before the service at the church. Friedrich Funeral Home, New Richland is assisting the family with arrangements.

Thomas Jefferson Smith III passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital early Thursday morning April 2, 2009 at the age of 79.

Tom was born on March 13, 1930 in New Richland, Mn to Harry & Amanda (Jeddeloh) Smith. He graduated from New Richland-Hartland High School in 1948 where he was a standout in basketball and football. After a short hitch in the U.S. Navy, he attended Mankato State College where he graduated in 1953. He continued his education with graduate work at Mankato State University , University of Iowa , and Oklahoma State University . In 1953 Tom went to Peterson High School where he was a social studies and physical education teacher. He also coached football, basketball, and baseball. He was the ONLY coach in the school system. He moved on to McGregor High School in 1955 where he taught social studies and coached football and baseball and served as the school’s athletic director.

He was united in marriage to Marilyn (Marsh) Smith on October 7, 1956 in McGregor, Mn. He returned home to New Richland-Hartland High School in 1957. He went on to serve that school for 30 years-25 as their athletic director and many years in a variety of coaching positions. He served as Executive Secretary of the Gopher Conference for 20 years. He served on the District 2 and Region 1 committees. Twice, in 1982 and 1987, he was recipient of the Region 1 Athletic Director of the Year award, and in 1987 received the Butch Nash award for his 31 years as an assistant football coach. He was involved in directing MSHSL athletic programs for 50 continuous years and served as sub-section coordinator for five sports in Section 2A from 1991-2006.

He was a member of the Congregational Church in New Richland . He served on many boards & was Sunday School Superintendent & teacher.

His hobbies included golfing , fishing, playing cards, reading westerns & he also enjoyed farming and raising beef cattle.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn of 52 years, 4 children, Scott (Donette) of Owatonna , Rod of Rice Lake , Wi , Kay Jensen of New Richland , & Rita of Owatonna . Three grandsons-Spencer, Taylor & Preston, 1 brother Don (Audreene) of New Richland, 1 brother –in-law Clayton, 2 sisters-in-law Evelyn and Bettie and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents-Harry & Amanda, 2 brothers Dick & Dale, 1 sister Harriet, 1 sister-in-law RoseAnn &1 grandson Brandon. He will be deeply missed!!