Marie Smith

Marie Virginia Smith (Knutson), 95, of Pine River, passed away on March 9, 2014. She was born February 19th, 1919 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Jack and Elizabeth (Metraus) Knutson. She moved with her parents to Pine River, Minnesota at age 9. She attended school there, graduating from high school in 1937 and from Teachers Normal Training (TNT) class in 1938. She then taught school at Agate Lake School near Brainerd, Minnesota. In 1939, she was married to Donald Hugh Smith, Sr. From this union three sons were born: Donald H. Smith, Jr., William E. Smith, and David C. Smith. William died at the age of six weeks.

Marie spent most of her life in service to others through DFL politics, Bi-County Community Action Program, Pine River Area Food Shelf, and her church. She was also heavily involved in Cass County fair where she served on the board and exhibited for 60 years.

She is survived by 2 sons, Donald H. (Wenonah) Smith, Jr. and David C. (Carol) Smith, grandchildren; Tawnya C. Smith, Sammie Smith, Sherri Ewsichek and other grandchildren, great grand-children and great-great grandchildren.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Don Sr., infant son William, her three brothers; Merrill Knutson, John Knutson, and Bob Knutson and two sisters; Almira Rhoades and Alice Mary Knutson.

Funeral service will be at 1 PM on Sunday, March 16th at First Lutheran Church, 309 2nd St., Pine River. Visitation will be begin one hour before the service. Burial will be in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Pine River. Memorials may be directed to the family, in c/o Kline Funeral Home in Pine River.