Joan Smith

Joan Arlyn (Judeen) Smith, 87, of Duluth, died Monday, December 25, 2017 at St. Luke’s Hospice.   A lifelong Duluth resident, she was born  August 4, 1930 to Erik W. and Doris (Thorsve) Judeen.  She was a 1948 graduate of Duluth Central High School and a graduate of UMD with a degree in physical education.  Joan was a member of First Lutheran Church and belonged to the Elizabeth Circle.  She was a member of the 99’s, International Women’s Pilot Association, The Seaplane Pilots Association with ratings private, commercial, instrument, multi-engine and a float rating.  She had been a girl scout leader and a lifeguard.  Joan was a member of the U.S. Master Cross Country Ski Association, skiing the Birkebeiner and many other ski marathons.  She also belonged to the Sons of Norway and Nordmanns Forbundet.  Joan spent part of every year at her beloved wilderness cabin in Ontario and part of the year in Snowmass Village, CO.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William C. in 2012.  Joan is survived by her daughter Darcy Jo Smith and her husband Richard Hillmer; her son Bradford William Smith; her five grandchildren:  Kyle and Bryan Kazmierczak, Emily Hillmer, and Sarah and Luke Smith; her sister Julie (Leila Klasse) Judeen; and her dear friend Jodi Short.  VISITATION:  Friday, December 29, 2017 from 9 AM until the 10 AM funeral service at First Lutheran Church, 1100 E. Superior. St.  Burial will be at Park Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to the Duluth Bethel, 23 Mesaba Ave., Duluth, Minn. 55806 would be appreciated.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555