Mildred F. Smaaland

Mildred F. Smaaland, age 82, resident of Aneta, ND, died peacefully at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, on Friday, October 4, 2013 under the care of Altru Hospice.

Mildred Frances Olson was born May 29, 1931 at the McVille Hospital to Oscar and Thelma (Trostad) Olson of Kloten. She grew up on a farm near Kloten. Mildred attended school in Kloten, graduating in 1949 as valedictorian of her class. She then attended Mayville Teachers College. She taught in rural schools, was branch manager for Fuller Brush Company, waitress, nurses aide, and homemaker & home health aide for Nelson County Social Services for 20 years. Mildred married Maynard Smaaland on December 27, 1951 at Kloten. They lived in and near Aneta. Milly was a very loving person. She left a legacy of love, friendship, and hospitality. She loved life, bingo, and playing cards. She will be greatly missed by her children, family, and friends.

Surviving members of her family include 5 children, Jim (Audrey) Smaaland of Aneta, ND, Terry (Sue) Smaaland of Devils Lake, ND, Larry (Karen) Smaaland of Altus, OK, Ken (Kelly) Smaaland of Fargo, ND, and Cindy (Link) Thompson of Wahpeton, ND; 7 grandchildren, Cory Carlson, Angie Odegaard, Tracey Thompson, Sarah Woods, Jesse Smaaland, Dustin Thompson, and Shannon Thompson; numerous great grandchildren; 1 brother, David (Adele) Olson of Jamestown, ND; 1 sister, Carol Walen of Glenfield, ND; sister-in-law, Faye of Billings, MT; and her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Maynard; a grandson, Davis Smaaland; a brother, Robert Olson; brother-in-law, Ray Walen; and an infant sister.

The Funeral Service will be held at Sundahl Lutheran Church, Aneta, ND, on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Kenneth Iverson. The organist will be Lori Ham and the soloists will be Bud Loe and Leesa Carlson. Interment will be at the Silent Hill Cemetery, rural Aneta. The casketbearers will be Mildred's children and spouses. Mildred's children consider all friends and family to be honorary casketbearers. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.