Everrett William Smith passed away on November 26, 2019 at the Howard Lake Good Samaritan Center.
On Easter Sunday morning, April 16, 1933, Everrett William Smith was born to Arthur and Caroline (Hempel) Smith at the family farm in Middleville Township, west of Howard Lake.
Everrett attended Howard Lake elementary and high school, graduating in 1951. After high school he farmed with his father until entering the US Army in 1955, serving 16 months in Korea. After discharge Everrett worked at 3M in Hutchinson until returning to the farm full time in 1958. He later attended Ag Management classes under the GI bill and served on the local school board.
Everrett married Elaine Frank on June 28, 1957. Together they raised three children, farmed, and had a business producing and retailing eggs for many years. Everrett became a substitute rural mail carrier in 1982. This turned into a full-time carrier job, in 1989. At that time the livestock was sold, but Everrett and his family continued to farm the land. After retirement from the post office his son, Larry, took over operating the farm. Everrett continued to help on the farm, delivered meals on wheels, and became a part of the sing-a-long group at the care center. Everrett looked forward to Tuesday mornings at 10:30, when it was time to sing!
Several winters were spent at Roadhaven Resort in Apache Junction, AZ. Everrett was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Howard Lake, serving as an elder and trustee at various times. He also served as treasurer of Middleville Township for 31 years. Everrett remained on the farm until September of 2018 when he entered Good Samaritan care center in Howard Lake.
Everrett was a man of deep faith and was always there for his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted member of the community and enjoyed working on his farm.
Everrett is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine, and his children, Larry (Laurie) Smith, Jeanne (David) Mages, and Debbie (David) Honebrink. Everrett is also survived by seven grandchildren, Ryan Smith, Kyle (Alicia) Smith, Chelsea (David) Buttenhoff, Trevor (fiancé Catheryn Barth) Mages, Cassie Mages, Danny Mages, and Jason Honebrink. Everrett was also a great grandpa to Malachi and Levi Smith, and has one great grandchild due in February. He is survived by sister, Helen Zander, and brother, Dale (Carol) Smith. Everrett was predeceased by his parents, his stepmother, Margueritte, and his sister Dorothy Janneke, as well as sisters and brothers in law.
Funeral service will be 11 AM Monday, December 2, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church in Howard Lake, Pastor Carol Chmielewski officiating. Visitation: 4-7 Pm Sunday at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake. Burial will be in Howard Lake Cemetery.