Bernice M. Smith, 89, and Larry F. Smith, 63, Doran, MN, died Friday, October 30, 2009, from injuries suffered in a vehicle accident near French, Minn. The Funeral Mass for mother and son will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church,
Breckenridge
,
MN
. with Rev. Ken Popp as celebrant. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service at the church; visitation Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery,
Breckenridge
,
MN
.
Bernice Meyer Smith was born July 5, 1920 at Senora, ND, the child of Jacob and Gertrude (Berg) Meyer. Bernice married Elmer E. Smith, on February, 16, 1939 at
St. John’s
Rectory in Wahpeton, ND. They farmed in Wahpeton and Doran, MN. While living in Doran, she worked at Ro-Banks Manufacturing Co. and Rosenblatts. Bernice was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Breckenridge, working with parish Fall Festival since 1982. She also expressed her faith making hundreds of rosaries and quilts for the missions through the
Mother Cabrini Mission Circle
and as a member of the Christian Mothers. She was instrumental in starting the Doran Champs 4-H club and was a member of the Brandrup Homemakers and did volunteer work at the old
St.
Francis Hospital and Nursing Home in Breckenridge for many years.
Bernice was person who loved gardening, canning, and visiting with people-especially her family. She was known for her garlic dill pickles, and enjoying trips to the casino just to visit with people.
Bernice is survived by her four daughters: Shirley Sweeney and Jean Ricker, both
Fargo
,
ND
; Barb “Bobby” Smith, Wahpeton; and Peggy Smith, Doran, MN; and her sister, Madonna (Clayton) Syvertsen, 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Elmer Smith, her son Larry Smith, granddaughter Mary Jo Ricker, her brothers: Elias, Clarence, Fred, Leo, Ignatius, Adrian, Phillip, Allen and Norbert Meyer, her sisters, Evelyn Meyer and an infant sister.
Larry was born the son of Elmer and Bernice (Meyer) Smith on July 30, 1946 at
Breckenridge
,
MN
.. He enlisted in the Army shortly after graduating from high school in 1964 from Breckenridge, where he was involved in 4-H and FFA. After leaving the Army, he continued his military service with the Navy. Larry served three tours of duty in
Germany
and enjoyed visiting
Holland
. Upon retiring form the military, he returned home to help his mother on their homestead. Larry worked for Industrial Plating, Wahpeton. He was affectionately known as “Butch” by his family and was very protective of his sister Peggy.
He loved working outside, fishing, and playing with his nieces and nephews. Although he was a quiet man, he was known for taking trips and always brought back a souvenirs and a story.
He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and after his mother was unable to assist, he helped his sister Barb with the garden work and the “straw draw” at the St. Mary’s’ Fall Festival. He looked forward to the Fourth of July when he would shoot off fireworks with his nephews, nieces and neighbors. He will be remembered to many as willing to help wherever he was needed.
Larry is survived by his four sisters: Shirley Sweeney and Jean Ricker, both Fargo, ND; Barb “Bobby” Smith, Wahpeton; and Peggy Smith, Doran, MN.
He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Smith.
Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, is in charge of arrangements
