Doris Smedstad

Doris Elaine Ness, was born to the parents of Mons and Agnes Ness on December 8, 1921. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Petri Church in Cyrus, Minnesota. She graduated from high school in Cyrus. On March 30, 1943, she married Franklin Smedstad and they lived on the home farm until 1991, when they moved to Starbuck.

Doris was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an active member of Indherred Lutheran Church, serving as organist and making quilts for World Relief and Luther Crest Bible Camp. She volunteered at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home by playing the organ and piano for church services for over 35 years. Doris enjoyed baking, gardening, knitting, feeding her backyard birds and spending time with family and friends.

Doris died on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota, having lived to reach the age of 88 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Franklin; her parents; sister: Charlotte Lovegren; brothers: Lawrence and Maynard Ness and son: Bruce Smedstad.

Doris is survived by three sons: Stephen Smedstad of Chaska, Thomas (Rhonda) Smedstad of St. Cloud and Scott (Beth) Smedstad of Starbuck; one daughter: Susan (Michael) Casey of Poulsbo, WA; eight grandchildren: Christopher Smedstad, Carrie Hanson, Kirstin Smedstad, Aaron and Ryan Casey, Lindsey Jorgensen, Casey Piras and Anna Smedstad and six great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers for the service are: Christopher Smedstad, Aaron Casey, Ryan Casey, Zachary Jorgensen, Scott Hanson and Boe Piras. Amy VanZee will serve as organist for the service. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.