Robert Sr. & Susan Chatt Smith

Robert Smith of Emerson, NE passed away on August 24, 2012 at the age of 92. Susan Chatt Smith, his wife of 64 years preceded him in death in April 2011 at the age of 88. Robert was survived by his son Robert Smith, Jr. and stepson John Chatt and daughters-in-law Mary Smith and Carolyn Chatt and his grandchildren John and Elizabeth. Robert was born in Rockford, IL. He was an avid golfer and during the depression worked as a caddie at Medina Country Club in Illinois and had the privilege to caddie for US Open champion Gene Sarazen. After being discharged from the Army at the end of World War II having fought in the Philippines, he worked as a tool and die maker for the University of California in Los Alamos, NM in the manufacture of nuclear weapons. Robert and Susan moved from NM to Los Angeles in the late 1950’s. Robert then worked for Marquarts manufacturing rocket engines. He completed his career by working for 23 years at the Electrical Mechanical Research Division of 3M as the chief industrial and process engineer. While having never attended college nor obtained a degree in engineering, he taught engineering at Moorpark College. He was actively involved as an adult leader of Boy Scout Troop 317 in Canoga Park, CA during the 1970’s. Troop 317 went backpacking at least once per month in the Sierra Nevadas, Mojave Desert, and other locations in Southern California. Robert arranged all of the transportation for a troop that grew to 70 scouts. After retiring, Robert and Susan moved to Emerson close to where Susan grew up. He played golf in the Wakefield Men’s Club Susan Smith of Emerson, NE passed away on April 26, 2011 at the age of 88. Robert Smith, her husband of 64 years subsequently passed away at age 92 in August 2012. Susan is survived by her sons Robert Smith, Jr. and John Chatt and daughters-in-law Mary Smith and Carolyn Chatt and her grandchildren John and Elizabeth. Susan was born in Wakefield, NE and received her GED from Pender High School. She was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters. She was one of twelve children of Gustav and Emily Hinrich and is survived by her sisters Lucy, Stella, and Elsie of Nebraska and her brother Gustav in California. The Hinrich family was one of the pioneer families of Wakefield. After high school she worked as the secretary for Judge Boughn of Thurston County. Subsequently, she moved to California where she worked for Pachmeyer Gun Works where she met her husband after World War II. They moved to Los Alamos, NM due to Robert’s position with the University of California. In the late 1950’s they moved back to Los Angeles. Susan embarked on a career as an accountant and worked for over 20 years in a public accounting firm. She encouraged and taught her son Robert accounting and he subsequently became a CPA. After retiring Susan and her husband moved to Emerson to be close to her brothers and sisters. Susan loved to travel and had a goal of attending all of the National Parks. She was an accomplished seamstress and cook. She constantly competed with her sisters regarding who was the best cook.