Marie Smelter, age 93, of Rice, passed away peacefully at her home Dec. 2, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Morrill. The Rev. Matthew Langager will officiate, and burial will take place in the parish cemetery. There was a visitation Monday at the Foley Funeral Home with parish prayers from 10-11 a.m. at the church Tuesday. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.
Marie Ellen Smelter was born Sept. 10, 1931, in Alberta Township, Benton County, to John and Aniela (Bower) Kelash. She graduated from Foley High School, class of 1947, and worked for a short time for General Mills. She returned to Foley and married Severin Smelter June 16, 1952, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Morrill. The couple lived, farmed and raised their family in Graham Township, Benton County, all of their married life. Marie enjoyed embroidery, crocheting and crafted many gifts for family members and friends. She was a competitive card and game player, an excellent cook and baker, famous for her cinnamon rolls. Marie always kept busy and will be remembered for making Easter and Christmas extra special for her family. She was a woman of strong faith and was a devoted mother and wife. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
She is survived by her children: Joan (Ronald) Thelen of Randall, Judy (Daryl) Henneman of South Haven, Bill Smelter of Rice, Joanne (Edward) Brezinka of Pierz, Carol (Jim) Andres of Pierz, Janet (Joe) Held, Royalton; 22 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Betty Swedziak of Sartell. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Severin; an infant daughter; and brothers and sisters, Frank Kelash, Donald Kelash, Olga Kelash, Annette Skajewski, Margaret Szfranski, Eleanor Grachek and Geraldine Chmielewski.
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