Robby Lee Smith

Robby L. Smith, age 54, of Willmar, passed away Saturday evening, April 22, at his residence in Willmar following a courageous fight against cancer.

Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  Visitation will continue at 1 p.m. followed by the celebration of life service at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 1, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.   Interment will be at Tripolis Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery near Kandiyohi.  A social gathering of friends to continue honoring Robby’s life will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 7, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club in Willmar.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Robby Lee Smith was born on July 28, 1968, in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, the son of Robert and Norma (Mohlenbrock) Smith.  He grew up in St. James and Willmar, graduated from Willmar High School in 1986, and then attended the Willmar Vo-Tech Auto Body program.  Robby was first employed at Don & Vern’s Ford Dealership prior to owning and operating Rob’s Auto Body Shop.  Since March of 2007, he has been employed with Christianson Systems in Blomkest.  Robby enjoyed golfing, traveling, snowmobiling, and hanging out and going for roadies with his friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vicki Smith of Willmar; his mother, Norma Smith of Willmar; one brother, Randy Smith of Atwater; two nephews, Jessie (and Michelle) Smith and Tyler Smith; and his beloved feline companion, BooBoo, besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and sister-in-law, Christine.