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Marles Jean Smestad • 1927 - 2011 Marles Jean Harstad was born September 23, 1927, a daughter of Martin and Nellie (Shervold) Harstad, in Makoti, ND. One year later, she and her family moved to Minot, ND. She was raised and educated in Minot, graduating from Model High School in 1946. She later taught school at Harmony #1 near South Prairie, ND, for two years. It was during those years that she met the love of her life, Morris Harlan Smestad. They were united in marriage July 2, 1948, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot. To this union, eight children were born, Leonard, Donald, Lois, Linda, Mary, LeRoy, Karen and Ronald. Marles was employed by Trinity Hospital in Minot as a certified nursing assistant for 26 years. Morris passed away April 3, 1998. Following her husband’s death, she continued to reside in Minot. She later moved to Sherwood, ND, to live with her daughter, Karen, and her family, and for the past couple of years she lived in Riverdale, ND, with her daughter, Mary, and her family. Marles’s joy came from having her children and family around her. There are many precious memories that will be carried for years to come. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Minot, and a volunteer with Trinity Nursing Home Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary for many years. She was honored to be a member of the Harvest State Accordion Club, performing on the stage at the Norsk Hostfest for 20 years, as well as entertaining at various nursing homes. Music was an important part of her life. Marles was quoted as saying, “I just want to share music with everyone.” That dream came true in December of 2008, when she recorded a CD titled, “Joyful Memories.” Marles was always looking out for others and said, “What this world needs more of is music and Jesus.” Surviving family includes: sons, Donald Smestad, Minot LeRoy (Sherri) Smestad, Minot, Ronald Smestad, Minot; Daughters, Lois Zahn, Minot, Linda (Delwyn) Newman, Lemmon, SD, Mary (Tim) Lingelbach, Riverdale, ND, Karen (Ross) Carter, Sherwood, ND; 25 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great great-children; sister, Marie (David) Schmitcke, Minot; sister-in-law, Shelly Harstad, Minot’ as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Marles was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Morris; son, Leonard’ daughter-in-law, Beverly Smestad; brothers, Robert and Harold Harstad; and sister, Eldora Olson. Funeral: Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.
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Marles Jean Smestad, 84, Minot, ND., went to be with her best friend, Jesus, on Saturday, October 8, 2011.