Juanita Smith

Juanita Mae Smith, 71, Fargo, ND went to her heavenly home on June 5, 2024.

Juanita was born January 25, 1953 in Bemidji, MN to John and Lela (Eastman) Klasen. Juanita attended Bemidji public schools. In 1967, she met the love of her life, Delbert Smith. At the age of 16, she and Delbert travelled to Sisseton, SD along with his siblings, Larry and Janice and got married. With being married 54 years, the stories are endless.

Through the years, Juanita worked int eh sawmill, picked balsam boughs, and worked in the local convenience and hardware stores. She and Delbert also did trucking for a number of years before moving to Duluth to manage an apartment building together. While managing the apartment building, they raised their late son’s daughters, Clarissa and Shelby. Her favorite job was being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed cooking, baking, making divinity, and gardening. Her family would tell you she made the very best potato crib. Juanita always kept an open door and open heart for everyone.

Survivors include her loving husband, Delbert Smith; daughter, Renee (Brian) Berg of Enderlin, ND; son, Brandon (Kelly) Smith of Int’l. Falls, MN; grandchildren, Brian Berg Jr, Virginia, MN, Blake (Abby) Berg, Jamestown, ND, Brianna (Caden) Decker, Milnor, ND, Clarissa Smith, Bagley, MN, Shelby (Eric) Smith, Duluth, MN, Zachary Smith, Akeley, MN, Jackson, Nicholas, and Lillian Smith, and Emma Mattsen of Int’l. Falls, MN; great-grandchildren Allie, Leon, and Harley; siblings, Kathy (Lowell) Laberge, Karen Johnson, Mickey (Noreen) Klasen, Cheryl (John) Gilbertson, and Bonnie (Tom) Nepsted; sister-in-law Lorraine Stai.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Brian Smith; siblings, Marlene, Ray, John, and Bob Klasen, and Joyce Vincent; brother-in-law, Ernie Johnson; mother and father-in-law, Elmer and Julia Smith; sisters-in-law, Carol Smith and Janice More; brothers-in-law, Clifford, Larry, Gary, Mike, and Harlan Smith.

Per Juanita’s request, there will be only a graveside service followed by a luncheon for sharing memories and conversations. Graveside service will be at the Nebish, MN cemetery on June 22, 2024 at 1 PM.