Duane Smith

Duane Ernest Smith, 76, of Nisswa, died Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Good Samaritan Society – Woodland in Brainerd. Services will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 28, 2014 at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to services. Reception will follow at the Brenny Funeral Chapel Reception Room.

Duane was born July 14, 1937, in Lincoln, MN, the son of Ernest P. and Edna (Stroman) Smith. He graduated from Motley High School and married Marilyn Hutchinson. The couple lived in the Lincoln area before moving to the Twin Cities area where Duane worked at Electric Machinery. Marilyn passed away and Duane later met and married Gladys Brandsma – Cook in 1972. The couple moved back to Lincoln where Duane worked at Larson Boat Works until retirement.

Duane enjoyed spending time in his workshop. He also liked the outdoors – camping, fishing, and traveling. He listened to old-time country music and liked to bowl. Duane had a great sense of humor.

He will be missed by his wife, Gladys; children, Kathy Zetah, of Little Falls, Shelly Smith, of Houston, TX, Karen (Greg) Eberle, of Cambridge, and Connie (Troy) Davis, of Motley; step-children, Gary (Geri) Cook, of Lake Shore, Glen (Sandy) Cook, of Lake Shore, Cindy (Patrick) Sherer, of Maple Grove, and Kevin (Pam) Cook, of Nisswa; brother, Dennis; sisters, Carol Mellesmoen, Janice Eberhart, Betty Ann Evans, Sharon Lundorff, Linda Smith, Diane Kasper, Barb Dvorak, and Debbie Smith; 21 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn; parents, Ernest and Edna; stepson, Greg Cook; brothers, Roger and Larry Smith; and granddaughter, Leigha.