Eugene “Jeep” Smith left this earthly world and entered his heavenly home on Sunday, July 26, 2020. The funeral service for Jeep will be held at the Marion Public School on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at 1 PM. Visitation will be the hour prior to the service. It will be recorded and available to view along with his obituary on the Lerud Mathias Funeral Home website, www.lerudschuldt.com
Eugene John Smith was born December 23, 1935 to Christ H. and Myrtle (Kankelfritz) Smith. He was born on the Schmidt homestead in Saratoga Township, LaMoure County near Marion, ND. Christ changed his last name from Schmidt to Smith after homesteading because of the number of Schmidts in the area.
Jeep attended first through fourth grade in Greenland School, Greenland Township, and graduated from Marion Public School in 1953. During his high school days, he loved playing basketball and later refereed local games. His wicked hook in bowling made him a strong competitor in the sport.
Learning the art of sheep shearing from his friend, Jerry Pekarski, Jeep and his older brother, Kenneth, sheared locally, as well as in western ND and parts of Montana. He also did elevator construction work, painted elevators and was employed with Bernard McCleary’s carpentry crew. Jeep used his construction skills to build his family home and help build the Marion Community Center.
Jeep was united in marriage to Audrey Klever on September 15, 1957 in the LaMoure Presbyterian Church. To this union, three children were born: Cynthia, Gregory, and Kevin. Jeep and Audrey lived on the Smith home farm northwest of Marion for approximately one and a half years. They then purchased the Henry Neeval farm about five and one half miles northwest of Marion. This farm was a part of the Johnston Livestock and Dairy bonanza farm.
As a couple, Jeep and Audrey continued the farming enterprise raising chickens (for the frying pan), sheep and a cow-calf operation. They also grew wheat, barley, corn and sunflowers. Jeep was an advocate of soil conservation farming practices.
In November 1995, they moved into the town of Marion. After moving into town, Jeep looked forward to socializing with neighbors over a cup of coffee and catching up on the local news.
Jeep is survived by his wife of 62 years, Audrey; daughter, Cindy (John) Peterson of Fargo, ND; sons, Greg (Meagen) Smith and Kevin (Julie) Smith both of Marion; 8 grandchildren, Joshua (Tracie) Peterson of Otsego, MN, Michelle Peterson of Fargo, Mindy Smith (Justin Klein) of LaMoure, ND, Austin Smith, Grant Smith, Chris Smith, Derek Smith and Amy Smith all of Marion; 2 great grandchildren, Olivia and Noah Peterson; a brother, Don (Norma) Smith of Frazee, MN and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers, Kenneth, Henry, Ray and Ross Smith; and 2 sisters, Helen Corneliussen and Marjorie Wagner.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to Lakeview Cemetery or Marion Lutheran Church.
The Lerud Mathias Funeral Home is assisting Jeep’s family with arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.lerudschuldt.com