Evert Earl Smith, 88, of Owatonna, Minn., died Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012 at the Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna.
He was born April 15, 1924 in Lacona, Iowa the son of Thomas and Eunice (Thomas) Smith. He also lived in the Chariton, area before moving with his parents in 1938 to a farm near Ellendale. In 1947 he moved to Albert Lea and farmed with his father until 1958. He was married to Henrietta VanWilgen of Hollandale on Aug. 18, 1958 at Hollandale Reform Church. The couple then farmed near Hope, until 1980 when they retired. They spent winters in or near Gulf Shores for many years before moving south in the 1990’s. Evert moved back to Owatonna, to Countryside Senior Living in April 2007 and lived there until May 2012 when he moved to Cedarview Care Center.
Evert enjoyed hunting and fishing, socializing, and dancing. He liked watching baseball, kittenball games, and attending fairs. He belonged to the Rifle Club, the Farmer’s Union, and Senior Citizens Clubs in Alabama. Church attendance was an important part of his life and he was an ecumenical believer having belonged to different congregations during his lifetime. He is survived by his daughter, Linda (Jeff) Domkoski; grandson, Jeffery (Smith) Krueger; great-grandson, Julian Kruegar; two brothers, Cecil (Barbara) Smith of Owatonna, and Gail (Myrna) Smith of Lusby; five nieces and nephews, Clair Smith, Doug Smith, Janet Smith, (Steven Usdansky), Shirley (Bill) Conway, and Martin (Caroline) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Henrietta (2003). Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012 at Pine Rest Funeral Home Chapel. The visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service with burial to follow in Pine Rest Memorial Park. The family suggests memorial contributions in Mr. Smith’s name to the charity of choice. Local arrangements are by Pine Rest Funeral Home.
