Paul R. Smith, 53, of Iron River, died Tuesday, January 2, 2018 in Iron River.

Paul was born in Duluth, MN on January 25, 1964 the son of Wayne and Betty Smith.

He graduated from Northwestern High School with the class of 1982. He worked at the Iron River Building and Home Center with his dad. He moved to Trempealeau, WI and then went on to technical college to pursue a career in law enforcement. Paul was accepted and completed the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy. He was a State Patrol officer for Central and Northern Wisconsin for many years. He retired in 2013.

Paul enjoyed restoring and building Gold Wing Motorcycles and boats. He loved riding motorcycles and boating on Lake Superior. He liked to go hunting, fishing, and camping. Some of his favorite times were spent with his Team "S" buddies. Paul also enjoyed photography, reading and writing.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Smith in 1994 and an infant brother, Tommy.

He is survived by his father, Wayne (Lynette) Smith of Iron River; sister, Linda Smith of Cloquet; brother, Craig (Cindy) Smith of Muskego, WI; nephews, Logan and Nate; special friend, Laura Thomas; and many extended family and friends.

A celebration of Paul's life will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the Iron River VFW, 8265 US Highway 2, Iron River, WI 54847.