The funeral Mass for mother and son will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Breckenridge, Minn., with the Rev. Ken Popp as celebrant.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 with a 7 p.m. prayer service at the church; visitation will resume Friday from 9-10 a.m. at the Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, N.D.
 Bernice M. Smith, 89, and Larry F. Smith, 63 Advertisement |
Bernice Meyer was born July 5, 1920, at Senora, N.D., the child of Jacob and Gertrude (Berg) Meyer. Bernice married Elmer E. Smith, on Feb. 16, 1939, at St. John’s Rectory in Wahpeton. They farmed in Wahpeton and Doran. While living in Doran, she worked at Ro-Banks Manufacturing Co. and Rosenblatts. Bernice was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Breckenridge, working with the parish Fall Festival since 1982. She also expressed her faith by making hundreds of rosaries and quilts for the missions through the Mother Cabrini Mission Circle and as a member of the Christian Mothers. She was instrumental in starting the Doran Champs 4-H club and was a member of the Brandrup Homemakers and did volunteer work at the old St. Francis Hospital and Nursing Home in Breckenridge for many years. Bernice was a person who loved gardening, canning and visiting with people — especially her family. She was known for her garlic dill pickles and enjoying trips to the casino just to visit with people.
Bernice is survived by: her four daughters, Shirley Sweeney and Jean Ricker, both Fargo, N.D., Barb “Bobby” Smith, Wahpeton, and Peggy Smith, Doran; her sister, Madonna (Clayton) Syvertsen; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Elmer Smith; granddaughter, Mary Jo Ricker; her brothers, Elias, Clarence, Fred, Leo, Ignatius, Adrian, Phillip, Allen and Norbert Meyer; her sisters, Evelyn Meyer; and an infant sister; two sons-in-law, Joseph Ricker and Eugene “Gene” Sweeney.
Larry was born the son of Elmer and Bernice (Meyer) Smith on July 30, 1946. He enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating from high school in 1964 from Breckenridge, where he was involved in 4-H and FFA.
After leaving the Army, he continued his military service with the U.S. Navy. Larry served three tours of duty in Germany and enjoyed visiting Holland. Upon retiring form the military, he returned home to help his mother on their homestead. Larry worked for Industrial Plating, Wahpeton. He was affectionately known as “Butch” by his family and was very protective of his sister Peggy. He loved working outside, fishing and playing with his nieces and nephews. Although he was a quiet man, he was known for taking trips and always brought back souvenirs and a story.
He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and after his mother was unable, he helped his sister, Barb, with the garden work and the “straw draw” at the St. Mary’s’ Fall Festival. He looked forward to the Fourth of July when he would shoot off fireworks with his nephews, nieces and neighbors. He will be remembered to many as willing to help wherever he was needed.
Larry is survived by: his four sisters, Shirley Sweeney and Jean Ricker, both Fargo, Barb “Bobby” Smith, Wahpeton, and Peggy Smith, Doran.
He was preceded in death by: his father, Elmer Smith.
Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, is in charge of arrangements.
Dee Langston wrote on Nov 8, 2009 10:28 PM:
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom and Larry. I really enjoyed working with Larry at IPC and will miss visiting with him. Looked forward to seeing him about town and finding out what he had been up to during his retirement. "
Annie Schuler wrote on Nov 6, 2009 9:27 AM:
I am very sorry for your loss. Both will be missed.
Sending prayers. "
Lori Smith Peterson wrote on Nov 5, 2009 4:09 PM:
This was such a shock and so sad. Living in Wisconsin, we won't be able to get there for the services so will send our sympathy out to you this way and through our prayers. "
Diana wrote on Nov 5, 2009 12:58 PM: