Marian Smith

Marian L. Smith, age 84, of Motley, died May 24, 2005 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Funeral services will be Saturday morning at 11:00 in St. Johns Lutheran Church in Motley with Rev. Edward Koehler officiating. Burial will be in the St. James Cemetery in Philbrook. Relatives will receive friends Friday evening from 6 to 8 at the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples, and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Marian Lorraine Smith was born on August 4, 1920 in Cass County near Motley to Ira and Emma (Vanghavgaard) Butler. She was baptized by on September 19, 1920 by the Reverend Stensen of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of Motley. On May 28, 1933 she was confirmed in her faith at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Motley by Rev. William Stellwangen. Following Normal School training Marian taught at Fawn Lake Country School for a couple of years. On August 4, 1943 she married Clifford Smith in St. Johns Lutheran Church of Motley. For many years they farmed together and Marian was involved with many groups throughout the area. She was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church in Motley, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School there, served on the Alter Guild, participated in Bible Class and quilting groups and served as Church Organist for most of 6 decades. Marian was founding member of the Philbrook Friendly Hour Club when they began in 1949. For many years she served as the Fawn Lake Township Clerk, was involved in the Motley Birthday Club and participated in the Motley Study Club. Several times Marian was the Morrison County Seniors Spelling Champion over the years. Marian also committed her time and talents to a variety of other groups and activities throughout her years in the area staying involved until her health slowed her down recently.

Marian is survived by her daughter; Karel (Philip) Leisso of Stoddard, Wisc., daughter-in-law; Jan Smith of Philbrook, sister; Bernice Deglmann of Princeton, 3 brothers: Morris Butler of Alexandria, Harold and Roger Butler both of St. Louis Park, 6 grandchildren; Nathan, Sara, Rachel and Miriam Leisso and Jeffrey and Brent Smith, 6 Great Grandchildren; Trista DuRose, Nathan Shereck, Krystal Smith, Trevor, Taylor, and Brayden Smith as well as many nieces and nephews.