Timothy John Smithson

Timothy John Smithson, 76 years old, formerly of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on August 29, 2018 under the loving care of the staff of Family Comfort Hospice and Good Shepherd ALF in Mesa, Arizona.

Tim was born January 2, 1942, in Fargo, ND, to Harold and Hilda Smithson. He followed his twin sister, Sandra Jean, who was born just minutes before.

Fargo was Tim's home for most of his life, graduating from Fargo Central High. He had several loves - music - dancing - cars. He was a member of the Toppers Car Club in his youth. With the love of music and dancing he and his sister Sandy entered several dance contests. He played trumpet in the Scrubs, El Zagel and the Legion bands in Fargo. In Mesa he enjoyed the dance activities in the park. He was active in the ND National Guard and in 1964 was selected as the Outstanding Soldier of the Regimental Guard, an honor based on overall military bearing, appearance, knowledge of guard orders and cleanliness of weapon.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir for many years. He married Karen Dangerfield in 1973. He was a past member of the Fargo Masons and El Zagel Shrine. He was manager-partner of Shakey's Pizza in North Dakota and was teased often as he thought pizza was/ or should be a basic food group. He was also part of the planning ownership team that brought Show Biz Pizza to Fargo and Billings, MT, and served as the manager as well until Show Biz Company was dissolved. When national Shakey's Pizza ceased to exist his stores eventually closed. Tim also spent many years with Straus Clothing and admired Mr. Stern and his work ethics.

After his first bout with cancer in 2003, the cold weather of North Dakota became harder and harder on him and in 2009 in the heat of July he and Karen moved to Mesa, AZ. He enjoyed the warm weather there and treasured the friendships he made living in a retirement community.

Tim is survived by his wife, Karen, daughters Jessica (Ethan) Smithson-Wetzell of Richfield, MN, Shelly Smithson, West Fargo, ND, Jill Smithson, Moorhead, MN, and the apple of his eye, his granddaughter, Olivia. Also surviving are his sister Sandy (Bruce) Lewis, Rochester. MN, sister-in law/brother-in law, Jani and Roy Ehlers of Mesa, AZ, Brother-in-law, Ken (Shirley) Piszczek, Maryville TN, niece Stacy (Ron) Haugen, Rochester, MN, nephews Tim (Sue) Lewis, Byron, MN, Keith (Anne) Ostlund, Grand Forks, ND, Craig Piszczek, Atlanta, GA, and Brian (Angela) Piszczek, Canton, GA. Preceding him in death were his parents and sister-in-law Susan (Dangerfield) Piszczek.