Date of Birth:
Wednesday, February 5, 1936
Date of Death:
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Age:
89 years old

Gordon Albert (Gordy) Smith

Gordon (Gordy) Albert Smith of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on November 4, 2025, as his beloved wife and loving daughter held tightly onto both hands. Gordy was born February 5, 1936, to Otto and Lydia Smith, delivered by a country doctor in the family farmhouse near Norwood, Minnesota. He spent his early childhood on the farm until age seven, when his father took a job in Minneapolis. Gordy enjoyed growing up in the Twin Cities, spending summers playing baseball and winters playing broomball with a large group of friends. By age sixteen, his interests shifted to cars, and he became a proud member of the Dust Devils Car Club.

In 1960, Gordy married Kathy Duffy, and they had two sons. Gordon and Kathy later divorced. During this time, Gordy took classes at the University of Minnesota, interested in architecture and car design, but sought other options to support his family. Gordy had loved drawing since childhood. A friend in the Chemistry Department told him about an opening for a glassblower apprentice at the university. Gordy was instantly interested and accepted the position. After four years of training under a Master Glassblower, Gordy was hired as the Scientific Glassblower for the Mayo Clinic, where he collaborated with others to create unique apparatus for research. He had the temperament for the job, persevering through setbacks and earning respect from colleagues. Over the years, he held various offices in the Glassblowing Society.

In 1976, Gordy married Linda Griese, and together they enjoyed 48 years of closeness. They traveled often to Europe, sharing a mutual love of art museums and friendly pubs. Gordy’s passion for cars never waned; he often found deals on used sports cars and enjoyed weekend road trips with Linda. He also loved watching The Vikings, cooking, sailing, and most of all, spending time with family.

Gordy is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Linda; sons Kevin (Lisa), Gabriel, and Rowan; Kelly (Courtenay), Oliver, Frederick, Holly, and Finn; daughter Tracie (James) Benzmiller, Sonya, Elizabeth, Vincent (Thérèse); and future great-grandchildren (twins!). Gordy will be remembered for his creativity, kindness, and devotion to family and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025, at St. Pius X Catholic Church (1315 12th Ave. NW), with Reverend Timothy Reker as celebrant. Visitation will begin one hour prior to Mass time.

Should anyone desire, contributions can be made to the Calvary Cemetery Landscape Fund or Ronald McDonald House.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.