H. Eulalie Smestad, 90, of Northfield, Minnesota, passed away Friday, April 26, at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Helen Eulalie Fagerholt was born March 5, 1929 in Grafton, North Dakota to Albert C. and Clara (Brende) Fagerholt. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing education from the University of Minnesota in 1952.
Eulalie married Lowell Smestad on August 10, 1952, after which they served parishes in rural Mankato, Minnesota; Orofino and Kamiah, Idaho; New Richland and Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. She also worked variously as a nursing instructor, nurse, director of in-service education, and raised four daughters. After Lowell retired, they moved to Northfield and soon thereafter, Eulalie started working as a pharmacy technician, continuing for ten years. At age 79, she trained as a Stephen ministry leader and continued in that capacity for about ten years.
Eulalie loved traveling, especially attending family gatherings, where her camera and Scrabble board were never far away. She was known for her to-do lists, her ability to tackle any project, her organizational skills, and the energy she devoted to every task.
Eulalie is survived by four daughters, Ruth Smestad Anglin (Ronnie); Gloria Smestad (John Maher); Joanne Claussen (Kurt); and Carol Anderson (Gary); three grandchildren (Lucas Anglin, Justine Maher and Philip Claussen), several cousins, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Arthur, Elmo and Leonard, sister Eunice, sisters-in-law Elvina, Ann, Elaine and Elizabeth, and one grandchild (Helene Anglin), as well as numerous dear aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will be from 2-5p.m. at Benson Langehough Funeral Home & Cremation in Northfield on Saturday, May 11. Services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 500 W. Third Street, Northfield, on Monday, May 13 at 11 a.m., with visitation at 10 a.m. Memorials are suggested to Park River Bible Camp, Park River, North Dakota; Luther Seminary; St. John’s Lutheran Church music; or donor’s choice.
See the Web site www.northfieldfuneral.com for full obituary.