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Joseph “Joe” Arthur Smith, age 55 of River Falls, Wisconsin passed away suddenly on Thursday November 6, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was a man of equal parts stubborn, loyal, soft hearted and one of the kindest people you could meet.
He was born on April 17, 1970, in St. Paul, MN to parents Arthur Raymond and Diana Grace (Callow) Smith. He was a member of the River Falls High School Class of 1988. His love for sports started at an early age as he participated in numerous high school athletics. Throughout his schooling he was employed at the River Falls Journal. Upon completion of high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin – River Falls where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Land Management. He began his law enforcement career in Ellsworth, WI as patrol officer. As a Pierce County Deputy Sherrif he was able to follow his passion for natural resources and conservation as a water patrol officer. Joe’s calm presence, steady integrity and quiet compassion earned him the respect of his coworkers and community alike.
Joe’s all-around love for sports was demonstrated with his continued support of the Green Bay Packers, and the Wisconsin Badgers with emphasis on Women’s Hockey and Volleyball. His support didn’t stop there, he always had a special place in his heart for his nieces, nephews, and Godson Cayden. He made every effort to attend all sporting events in which they were involved. Joe was a gifted baker, and baking was another way he showed his love for those around him. Whether it was endless hours spent making Christmas cookies for his coworkers and all their families, banana bread, cheesecakes, or bars. You always hoped you were lucky enough to be on the receiving end of one of his masterpieces! Joe never had children of his own, but there are many children who attended Centennial Family Child Care who love him as he loved them. He was everyone’s favorite gentle giant.
He is preceded in death by his infant brothers Dale and Andrew as well as his infant nephew Timothy. He is survived by his parents, Arthur and Diana; siblings, Christina (Andy) Krueger, Sarah (Bill) Standaert, Patrick Smith; nieces and nephews, Joshua Krueger, Dr. Katelin (Hunter) Krueger-Pesik, Jon Standaert(Mandy, Theodore, Wyatt), Chelsea Standaert (Tyler, Sky, Rylen, Alexa) and Godson Cayden Mueller, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends spanning from childhood, high school, college and colleagues that he considered family.
The family hosted a Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 2-5 pm at Lazy River Bar & Grill, 115 W Walnut Street, River Falls, WI. The family requested no flowers be sent, in lieu of flowers memorial donations can be directed to the family for a cause to be decided on later. Arrangements are being made with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
12 Comments
Thoughts and prayers go out to family. Joe was officer in Ellsworth for the Village when I worked there years back.
Joe was a great man
Art, Diana, and family—I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a good guy and will be missed. Prayers for all of you.
Dear Smith Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I knew Joe through Sarah and got to enjoy his baking skills when Sarah would bring in treats for our department. I’m sending many, many hugs to all of you and especially for dad and Sarah whom are two very special people. It sure sounds like Joe was as outstanding and kind hearted as those two. Take care. With much love,
Keri
To the Smith family my sincere condolences. As your heart is aching- so is mine. One great pleasure in life was to have Joe’s wrestling coach. We had a wonderful relationship that stood the test of time. He would always comment on Facebook post usually giving me the business. However at the end he would say just kidding coach. Joe will be so missed. God speed my friend.
I’m so very Sorry🙏you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Diana, Art and family
My most sincere sympathies for your loss. I have so many memories of Joe lying or sitting on the floor with the kids when our kids were there for childcare. He was great with them. Thinking of you all.
Linda and Bill
Joe was a student of mine his senior year for Senior Cooking. I read about what a prankster he was. Reminded me of when he and his buddies tee peed our house. Joe sent a picture via Facebook of them remembering how I caught them and had them come in for hot chocolate and cookies. I was just wondering about him as I think this was the first birthday I didnt hear from him since we connected on Facebook. He was a sweet guy who sure brightened my days.
To the family of Joe, I enjoyed working with and speaking with Joe from time to time at the Pierce County Sheriff’s Dept. I’m truly sorry for your loss. Retired Sheriff Everett Muhlhausen
Art, Diana and family: We are so sorry to hear of your beloved Joe’s passing. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. He will forever be in your hearts.
Joe was always soft-spoken, helpful and kind. He helped me move once and practically lifted my wife’s piano on his own to get it up the stairs and into our house. My deep condolences to my former colleague Art and his wife Diana.
Hi Art & Diana. I was so saddened to learn of Joe’s passing. He was a ‘beast’, in every sense of the word. Truly a soft-touch beneath the surface but an intimidating presence. He was a great worker/leader way-back-when we were in the printing business, a loyal and hard working guy who carried responsibility with ease, and an absolute gentleman when dealing with the public. You raised him well. I’m sorry for his passing and sorry I wasn’t present at his Celebration to offer condolences personally. Steve & Sue Dz
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