"Janna and family I am so very sorry for your loss. Unimaginably heartbreaking to loose a child. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Amanda Fjerstad"
In loving memory of
Ethan Michael Smith
November 27, 2001 - September 6, 2022
Ethan Michael Smith, 20, of Rochester died Tuesday in Pierce County, WI, as the result of an airplane accident.
Ethan was born November 27, 2001 in Rochester, MN to Peter and Janna (Johnson) Smith. He graduated from Lourdes High School in 2020, where he participated in cross country, hockey, and track. Incredibly goal-driven and ambitious, Ethan earned his Associate Degree in Business from RCTC in August 2022 while working part-time and pursuing his true passion, aviation. He successfully obtained his private pilot's license in June 2021, followed quickly by his instrument rating and commercial pilot's license in the spring of 2022. He acquired an impressive 650 flight hours in pursuit of his aspiration to become a commercial airline captain. Ethan's love for flying was evident from the time he was young and he lived out that passion every day.
Ethan loved being with his family and friends. He was fiercely loyal, dedicated, and kind, always willing to go the extra mile for those he loved. With his positive outlook and lightheartedness, Ethan was a pure joy to be around. His laugh and smile were infectious. He had an incredible zest for life and enjoyed it to the fullest, whether through traveling, participating in water sports, off-roading, snowmobiling, or helping his dad rebuild a Jeep. Ethan was guided by his core values of hard work and personal accountability to help him reach his goals. He will leave a profound and lasting impact on the numerous lives he has touched.
He is survived by his parents Peter and Janna Smith, his brother Liam Smith, and his Maternal Grandparents Michael and Eleanor Johnson. Ethan is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his Paternal Grandparents Richard and Joann Smith.
Fly High, Ethan.
A memorial service will be held Friday September 16, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal PL NW, Rochester, MN 55901). Visitation will be on Thursday September 15, 2022 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will take place at a later date at St Mary's Cemetery in Lake City.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the family, a memorial will be set up at a later date in Ethan's name.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Smith family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Janna, Pete and Liam- there are no real words to say how truly sorry we were to hear about Ethan. Luke has such good memories of playing youth hockey with Ethan (and Pete coaching). Ethan always had such a kind spirit. Always well liked by all Such a huge loss for so many but especially his wonderful, loving family. We are so very sorry.. Love, Mia and Karl Corrigan "
"I was deeply saddened to hear the loss of you beloved son, Ethan. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Ethan was a wonderful young man. He would come to the Student Success Center everyday to study and seek my assistance or Ms. Weiss in his academic work at Lourdes High School. He was hard working and highly motivated to do his best. Peace, Matt Klebe"
"Janna, There are no words. I hope to see you this evening at Ethan's visitation. With shared love, Jerry Porter"
"I never met your son Ethan but he sounded like a great young man which doesn't surprise me having known his parents. I enjoyed working in the past with both of you. My sincere condolences Elaine Hokanson Birgin"
"Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Eric and Heidi Bloomfield"
"Janna, Pete and Liam, life can be so fickle and unfair. It's hard to understand why God needed him more. Maybe that ambition he had or the passion he felt for flying or his fierce loyalty to his friends and family. He was an amazing young man and accomplished so much at such a young age. I know how proud you were of him. Take comfort in knowing that he is flying in the un-endless skies of heaven. God bless you all, Mike and Lori Bauer"
"Every parents nightmare. We are so sorry for your loss. A true gem is gone."
"Janna and Pete, The Nonn's have been praying for you and your family since we heard of the terrible accident. Although we didnt know Ethan, based on the tributes on social media and his obituary he was an AMAZING young man. God Bless all of you and feel good about the fact that he will be piloting an airplane with Angels and taking God to wherever he wants to travel to. Love the Smiths"
"Pete,Janna & Liam - We are so very sorry to hear about Ethan. Our heart breaks for you all. He will be deeply missed. Kim & Mark Jensen"
"Janna, I am so deeply sorry for this tremendous loss and for the heartbreak you are going through. You and your family are in my thoughts."
"Deepest condolences to the family... there are no words. Ethan had a big smile and a big personality, he was one of a kind and will be deeply missed. ~Somerby Grounds Department"
"I will always and forever remember Ethan's adventurous spirit. We rode the bus together for years, made up games in our backyards, and explored the woods of Merrihills together. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. "
"Janna and family, I am so sad to hear about your son. There are no words having two girls in their 20s. I will be thinking of you and praying for you. My sincerest sorrow for your family's loss. Julie and Mike (Belscamper ) Sitton"
"So very sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with you. "
"My thoughts and prayers to your family. ?? I?m so sorry for this devastating loss. I know Ethan was a leader and an amazing kid. My sincere sympathy! Praying for your strength!!! ??????"
"Pete - Many prayers for you and your family during this most difficult time. I remember when you would talk about your boys in our old unit as we worked together, you always had the biggest smile, I could tell how proud you were of them! Ethan was blessed to know such pride & love! Roxanne"
"I have no words. My heart breaks for you all. Becky Ferber"
"Pete, Janna and Liam, My heart breaks for you all. I am so very sorry for this incredible loss. What an amazing human being Ethan was. My prayers to all of you. Monique"
"Dear Janna, Peter and Liam, I?m so sorry for your terrible loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Rawan"
"Pete, I am so incredibly sorry to hear about Ethan! Your family has been in my prayers since I found out. Kari Felty"
"Dear Janna, Pete and Liam,
Ethan sounds like an amazing young man who touched so many lives while he was here. Now he is touching many hearts and lives as he lives on through those memories. Hugs and prayers for your healing.
Rita Marquardt "
"Janna, Pete and Liam-Out hearts ache for you and we hope the thoughts and prayers of many bring you strength. Love, Becky and Jeff Watkins "
"Pete, Janna and Liam: I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Ethan. My heart aches for you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. "
"Dear Pete, I?m so very sorry to hear of this tragic loss. I wish there was some measure of comfort I could offer you and your family that would be adequate. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers . Deb"
"Thinking of you all in this heartbreaking loss. "
"Janna, Pete, and Liam, My prayers are with you as you grieve the tremendous loss of Ethan. Jayne Arvold "
"Pete, Janna, and Liam I am so incredibly sorry . There are no words at this time but I know Ethan will live on in the hearts of all. Nancy O?Dell"
"Pete, Jana, and Liam, There are no words to express the magnitude of your loss. May Ethan?s memories always stay close to your hearts. Praying for peace. - Sabrina Duda"
"Pete, Jana and Liam, our hearts ache for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. "
"Janna, Pete, and Liam. We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Jim, Kelly, Glason, and Cami Owens"
"Pete and Jana, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May happy memories help ease the pain of your loss."
"Janna and Pete, my heart is broken for you. There are no words.."