Iron Mountain-Richard R. Smith, age 89, of Spread Eagle, Wis., passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at his home.

He was born September 8, 1928, in Fort Benning, Georgia, son of the late Thomas S. and Esther (Racine) Smith. Over the years Dick lived in many different areas due to his father serving in the United States Army. He lived in Panama City for two years, North Dakota and eventually moving to stay with his brother, T. Scott Smith, at the University of Michigan for a brief period of time. Dick went on to graduate from Pillsbury Military Academy in Owatonna, Minn. He later attended Michigan Tech University where he received his bachelor's and master's degree in Mining Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering. Dick went on to work for Cleveland Cliffs Corporation for two years before going to work for Hanna Mining Corporation and served as its Vice President for Domestic Operations. He was in charge of their iron ore mines and plants in the United States as well as their nickel and silicon facilities. After retiring from Hanna, Dick bought the Hanna Mining Laboratory in Hibbing, Minn. and established Midland Standard Incorporated. He owned and operated Midland Standard until he retired in 2015. In 1973, Dick attended the senior program at the Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. On August 8, 1980, he received the Board of Control Award by Michigan Technological University for his achievement and outstanding service to his profession. Dick served on both MTU and Suomi College boards.

Dick married Virginia Ann Miller in 1951. She preceded him in death. He later married Kay Driussi Herrick on February 19, 1982, in Iron Mountain, Mich. Dick enjoyed many hobbies including reading, listening to the Cleveland Orchestra, and the theater.

Survivors include his wife, Kay; three sons, Douglas (Coleen) Smith, Houston, Texas, Matthew Herrick, Florence, Wis. and Andrew Herrick, Spread Eagle, Wis.; two daughters, Betsy (Jerry) Lang, Inver Grove Heights, Minn. and Alexandra (Tim) Maland, St. Paul, Minn.; six grandchildren, Sarah, Scott, Ryan, Kaitlin, Zachary and Fiona; and two great-grandchildren, Cole and Miles.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas Scott Smith.

A celebration honoring Dick's life will take place at Lake Ellwood. Pastor Harry Newman, a special friend of the family, will offer a time of reflection.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Dick or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, to honor Dick's legacy of life.