Erik Smestad, 56 of Forks Twp., PA died Friday, November 3, 2017 at Easton Hospital. Born August 3, 1961 in Brooklyn, NY he was a son of Anna (Thoresen) and Hans Smestad of Forks Twp. He was a New York City Dock Builder with Local 1556 for many years before retiring. Erik was an active member of Arndt’s Lutheran Church, Forks Twp., active in scouting, especially Cub Scout Pack 29 and he had been a Forks Twp. Volunteer Firefighter. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage and lived by the motto “always do the right thing”. Erik lived for his sons and was devoted to his parents. A hard worker with a well-developed sense of humor, he was selfless and generous in everything he did.
He is survived by his parents, Hans and Anna; his sons: Kristian and John and their mother Diane; brothers: John (wife Kim) of Forks Twp. and Kristian (wife Jerelyn) of Westerly, RI; sisters: Linda Ramse (husband Eivind) of Tovdal, Norway, Judy Nunn (husband Rich) of Brick Twp., NJ, and Astri Myhre (husband Sigbjorn) of Cranford, NJ; his companion: Susan Oelschlegel; and his many nieces and nephews.
A Visitation will be held 6 PM to 9 PM Wednesday (Nov. 8) in Arndt’s Lutheran Church, 1851 Arndt Rd., Easton. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11 AM Saturday (Nov. 11) in the church (please bring your pictures and funny stories). The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Arndt’s Lutheran, 1851 Arndt Rd., Easton, PA 18040. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Susan McCaffrey
November 6, 2017 at 10:48 am
My deepest and sincerest condolences to the Smestad family.
Janet Sheikhan
November 6, 2017 at 11:46 am
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for your family.
Nothing prepares us for losing someone we love but our memories are gifts that not even death can erase. Please know how much we love you.
Elaine And Frank Abicca
November 6, 2017 at 1:33 pm
Our deep sadness has no words for the tragic loss of Erik. We can only send our love and prayers as we remember him with fondness.
Glenn B Larsen
November 6, 2017 at 4:29 pm
Dette var forferdelig trist. Erik skulle jo utleve oss med sin gode humør og stå på
Tilværelse
Rehfield Family
November 6, 2017 at 4:32 pm
Praying that family, friends and faith get you through this terrible time.
Jeanne Schwoyer
November 7, 2017 at 6:52 am
Dear Diane, Kris and John. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love you, Jeanne
The Rouse Family
November 7, 2017 at 8:44 am
Our prayers go out to the Smestad Family, we are Dianes cousins and lived in Colorado and now in Idaho. We only met Erik a few times and so enjoyed his humor. He will be missed.
Erik Chuss
November 7, 2017 at 10:11 am
My deepest and sincerest condolences go out to your family during this very sad time. Erik’s contribution to the township and community cannot be put into words. We appreciate all he did. Our thought’s and prayers are with Erik, John, and the entire family. God bless.
Erik Chuss
Richard C. DeMaria
November 7, 2017 at 11:16 am
How sad for another to leave the family so very young. Aunt Dorothy and I enjoyed our visits with our four children to your new place in Pennsylvania for the family gatherings. As a Fire Captain with the Bayonne Fire Department, Erik and I had a lot to share with each other. I just loved his extremely fast and biting wit and sense of humor. We sure had enough material to work with just with our own relatives. Laughs were always long and hard but never meant to hurt. May you all find peace with time each in your own way.
Jim and Barbara Bialker
November 10, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Our sincere condolences to the entire Smestad family on the loss of Erik. We’ll remember Erik for his kindness and great sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kenneth Bjornsti
November 12, 2017 at 6:52 am
Hey Erik, this is your cousin Kenny. I want to Thank You for all the good memories we shared together as kids. I always loved when I heard you and your family were coming up to visit or we were going to Englishtown. You always laughed, smiled and always quick with a wise mark. You were a good friend to me, sorry I was always getting you in trouble lol. I learned so much about you at your wake and funeral, turns out you were a very big man in every way. Learning how you lived your life and how you loved and treated others has inspired me to try and be a better person then I am. Peace and comfort to your family and your friends. You my friend Rest In Peace and I’ll see you later.
Diane L. Smestad
November 22, 2017 at 1:33 am
To my husband of 32 years,
We may have been separated the last 5 years but I never stopped loving you. I would give anything to have you back here on Earth – I would even try to accept your new life with a more open heart. I know you loved our two boys more than life itself and I couldn’t have asked for a better father of my children. You always welcomed all of our nieces, nephews, sisters, brothers and parents into our home and made everyone feel welcome and wanted. You could not have been a more generous provider and I appreciate that you wanted us to stay in our home. I know your faith was strong and that you are in God’s house feeling no pain or tiredness. One day we may meet again. Until then, please watch over the boys and your parents- they all love you so. Rest In Peace Erik. 💕🙏