Smith, Jerome Douglas (Dad, Jerry, Jer, JD, Papa, Pops) passed away peacefully October 5, 2022 at the age of 88, the same day as our mother Nancy eleven years earlier. Dad was born April 21, 1934 in Mankato MN to Urban and Maxine Smith. He moved with his family while in grade school to the Deephaven area, graduating from Deephaven High School in 1952. Dad's parents owned Maxine's Drive In on Vinehill Rd and this is where Dad met Mom during high school. Dad worked as a cook and Mom a car hop. They married on December 26, 1953 while Dad was home on leave from the Army. Scott was born in 1954 and within eleven years there were seven kids: Scott, Mark, Brad, Julie, Jodi, Amy and Mia. Dad retired from NW Bell in the mid 1980's, but continued to have many adventures in the telephone field. Dad had many interests: golfing, skiing, sailing, camping, cooking and creating many pieces of art. He was a true renaissance man. After our mother passed away, Dad began a loving relationship with Susan Anderson. They traveled, cooked and played endless games of Rummikub together. We are forever grateful to Susan for the love and companionship she shared with Dad. Dad is survived by his children: Scott (Denise), Mark (Patty), Brad (Gretchen), Julie (Jeff), Jodi (Lisa), Amy, and Mia (Carlos). 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, his partner Susan, sisters Judy (Charlie), Jane (Dave) and his dog Sid. He is preceded in death by his parents, our mom Nancy, brother Tom and many other loved ones through out the years. Dad touched many in his life and brought happiness to all. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Park Nicollet Hospice and Riley Crossing for the tender care and compassion they gave our father, especially Katie, Jenna, Dayna, Stacey, Rae and Alex. A Celebration of Life will be Monday, December 5, 2022 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Visitation 10:00 am, service 11:00 am. A light lunch will be served afterwards. Interment with Military Honors December 6, 11:00 am at Fort Snelling. Memorial donations can be made to "The Friends of Bill W". Checks may be sent to Amy Smith, 7711 Arboretum Village Circle, Chanhassen, MN 55317. akarncodeblue@yahoo.com. Or, memorial donations can be made to the Minnetonka ICA Food Shelf, ica@icafoodshelf.org