Marguerite Nell Smith

Marguerite Nell Smith was born to John and Lydia (Vos) Schuld on March 3, 1922 on the family farm in Edgerton, MN. It was on this farm, working along side her parents and 9 siblings, that she learned the value of hard work. She felt it a privilege to attend Edgerton Public High School where she graduated as valedictorian. On September 2, 1945 she married William (Bill) Smith. For a number of years, they farmed near Luverne, then they moved to their farm near Ruthton, MN. After Bill went to the Luverne Veterans Home, she moved back to Luverne to be near him. After Bill’s death in October of 1999, it pleased her children to see her take multiple senior trips where she made many new friends. In 2014, she moved to the Edgebrook Estates Assisting Living in Edgerton, where she was well cared for. After a long and fruitful life, she died peacefully on September 22, 2020 at the age of 98 at The Cottage Hospice in Luverne.
Although she had many talents, she will be remembered by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for her constant loving presence. The grandchildren’s summer visits to Grandma Smith were eagerly looked forward to and still continue to generate the fondest of memories. Although busy on the farm, she always had time for a card game or to bake them a quick batch of cookies. She willingly passed on her breadmaking, gardening and jam making skills to her granddaughters, whose families are now the benefactors of those teaching moments. Her collection of ribbons from the county fairs over the years lined one of her dresser drawers and demonstrated her love and skill in all things that make a house a home. She was accomplished in many forms of needle work, but her passion was for quilting. Her masterpieces adorn the homes of her loved ones. Her love for quilting was shared when she joined the Luverne Quilt Club where she also served as an officer. She was a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne, where she had served as an officer in the Women’s Guild. Her Christian faith was quiet but deep. It was evident in how she managed the ups and downs in her life, but it was never more evident than how it sustained her after the death of Bill and two daughters, Bonnie and Shirlee.
She took pleasure in all her family and friends but the pleasure was all ours.
She is survived by her children, Randolf Smith, Linda (John) Feikema, Sue (Arlan) Stegenga, Lanette (Scott) Szymkowicz; sons-in-law Jim Johannsen and Kevin Haraldson; siblings Virg Schuld, Elaine Ressmeyer, and Mini Gale Achterhof; 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William; siblings Fred Schuld, Gladys Zwart, Nick Schuld, Robert Schuld, Cornelia Menning, and Arma Belle Stoel; daughters Bonnie Johannsen and Shirlee Haraldson; and grandson Nathan Stegenga.

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