Edward "Eddie" Earl Smith

Edward “Eddie” Smith, age 81, of Marshall, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2016, at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. Funeral Services are 10:00 AM Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at Christ United Presbyterian Church in Marshall. Interment will follow in the Marshall Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 PM Monday, November 28, 2016, at Christ United Presbyterian Church in Marshall. A prayer service is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service, from 9:00 – 10:00 AM, on Tuesday, again at the church.

Clergy Officiating: Rev. Anne Veldhuisen
Organist: Margaret Greig
Special Music (CD): “Worn” by 10th Ave. North
Congregational Hymns: Old Rugged Cross / On Eagle’s Wings
Honorary Casket Bearers: Dan Sussner, Chuck Bladholm, Ken Bruns, Perry Heaton, Roger Wartner, Morey Wussow, Grant Joy
Active Casket Bearers: Dustin Smith, Corey Smith, Levi Steenhoven, Adam Smith, Alex Smith, Erica Smith

Eddie died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, November 25, 2016, at Avera Marshall. His family toasted him at his passing with a round of Schwan’s chocolate fudge sundae cups.

Edward “Eddie” Earl Smith was born on October 20, 1935, at the Canby hospital to parents Keith and Gladys (Hults) Smith. He grew up on a farm near Milroy, was baptized at Ashford Presbyterian in Milroy, and was a graduate of Milroy High School.

Eddie was working as a gas station attendant when he was approached by Paul Schwan to come work at the Schwan Dairy. He began his 43-year career with The Schwan Food Company in 1956, washing milk bottles for $.65 an hour. He became Paul’s right hand man in ice cream production, earning the position of Ice Cream Plant Manager. Eddie devoted himself to Schwan’s success and growth for more than 40 years, proudly helping to rebuild after the 1974 fire, designing the new ice cream plant, and leading Schwan’s Canada. He won the Schwan Heritage of Quality Award in 1995. He retired in 1999 – escaping work with those darn computers, but his pride in the company, the Schwan family, and his employees never diminished.

Eddie was blessed to have three amazing wives in his life. He was joined in marriage to Betty Danielowski on December 11, 1955. They made their home in Marshall and were blessed with five children: Debby, Ron, Ken, Laurae, and Sherry. On August 6, 1985, Eddie was joined in marriage with Marilyn Hentges Volk. Eddie and Marilyn enjoyed 20 years together, splitting their time between Marshall, Lake Cochrane, SD, and McAllen, TX until Marilyn’s untimely passing. On June 22, 2007, Eddie was joined in marriage with long-time friend Jeannie Landuyt Maeyaert Krog, turning friends into family. Eddie and Jeannie split their time between Marshall and McAllen, TX.

Eddie had many joys and passions. He served in the Marshall Fire Department and Airport Commission. He loved life, and thrived while spending time with friends and family - he told many stories of camping with the Rawhide Rovers. Eddie’s kindness and humor were appreciated by all who knew him. He was loved and respected by many. His favorite places to be were in his motorhome on his way to his Texas home, on the golf course, or enjoying morning coffee with friends. He loved pontoon rides, yard work, naps after big meals, and in his retired years, working in the fields. He was fiercely proud of his family – both those by blood and those by choice. He proudly recognized each grandchild, and great-grandchild’s birthday, no easy task with such a large family!

Eddie is survived by his children, Debby (Tom) Bringmann of Gilman, IA, Ron (Marcy) Smith of Annandale, Ken Smith of St Cloud, Laurae (Mike) Hively of Lynd, Sherry Smith of Gary, SD; grandchildren, Barbra Springer, Becca VanDam, Beth Bangtson, Bonita Hummel, Dustin Smith, Corey Smith, Nikky Smith, Adam Smith, Erica Smith, Alex Smith, Jennifer Lundberg, Levi Steenhoven, Lane McLain; 15 great-grandchildren; step-children, Paula Volk, Jim Volk, Charles Volk, Deb Rofuth, Dean (Connie) Maeyaert, Diane Buesing, Dori (Denny) Vandendreiessche; 7 step-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; siblings-in-law, Ardyce Carrow, Jerry (Kandy) Landuyt, Gloria (Roger) VanOverbeke, Glad Henning, Gordy Landuyt, George (Kris) Landuyt, Gail (Tom) Boyum, Gwen (Dale II) Johnson; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Gladys Smith; his dear sister, Carol Smith; his first wife, Betty Johnson; second wife, Marilyn Smith; and third wife, Jeannie Smith; grandson-in-law, Ben Hummel.

In lieu of flowers please designate any memorials to Prairie Home Hospice in Marshall or the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).

Condolences may be sent to 100 Kindler Circle, Lynd, MN 56157.