Edward "Ed" Smidt

Edward “Ed” Siemen Smidt was born on December 6, 1938 to Siemen and Bertha (Bartels) Smidt at the Pipestone County Medical Center in Pipestone, Minnesota. Ed grew up living near Edgerton, Minnesota on a farm. He was confirmed on March 21, 1953, at the St. James Lutheran Church in Holland, Minnesota. Ed attended Country School for two years before moving to Trosky, Minnesota and attended Trosky school. He then attended school in Verdi, Minnesota then the Jasper School for one year. He continued school through the 9th grade. While growing up, Ed worked as a farm hand for his dad until his passing in 1958. Following his passing, Ed and his mom moved to Pipestone. In 1961, Ed was drafted into the United States Army to the 163rd Transportation Co. 3rd Platoon in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he proudly served until October 25, 1963, when he was honorably discharged. In August of 1963, while still serving, Ed was offered the veterinary clinic job by Doc Kennedy in a hand written letter. His starting offer was a 40-hour work week at a pay of $1.50 an hour. He began working for Pipestone Veterinary Clinic on November 4, 1962, a week after he returned from serving his country. Ed also worked for Don Sandberg delivering softener salt until October 25, 1964.

Ed met the love of his life, Gloria Suda, when her sister, Jeanette married Ed’s older brother, Wallace. They had an instant connection that lasted a lifetime. Ed and Gloria were united in marriage on September 20, 1964, at St. James Lutheran Church in Holland. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Pipestone before moving to the Rolling Acres Farm in Grange Township in 1971, where they raised their three beautiful children and later welcomed their beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After 20 years of living on the farm, in September of 1992, they returned to Pipestone, where they built their forever home. After 61 years of marriage, Ed remained at home following Gloria’s passing in December of 2025, until he entered hospice care. Ed passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Pipestone County Hospice House at the age of 87 years, six months and 22 days.

One of Ed’s greatest achievements was working at the Pipestone Vet Clinic for 56 years. Throughout those years he worked in the auction market, chute work, building maintenance, trucking, hauling pigs, bookkeeping, and feed sales for Big Grain Feed. He always said he never did the same job and never got bored. Ed made many great friends and relationships along the way with so many people in his life.

He was a dedicated, hard worker and was always willing to help anyone. He truly loved what he did and was proud of all his accomplishments.

Ed was a life long member of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregation in Trosky and Holland, and at Our Saviour’s in Pipestone, where he served as an elder, usher and a trustee. He had a huge heart and gave contributions to many non-profit organizations and to the church. Ed loved collecting toy tractors, beer & oil signs, camping, traveling, and visiting family – especially vacationing with Gloria every fall. He enjoyed numerous fishing trips to Port Lions in Kodiak, Alaska with Doc Kennedy and the rest of the crew. In recent years, Ed could always be found in his shed either stripping motors or crushing aluminum cans.

Above all else, Ed loved being able to live his life close to his kids and their families. He was always there to give advice and to lend a helping hand when needed. His unwavering love for his family will continue to be passed on to generations to come.

Ed is lovingly remembered by his children, Julie (Joe) Steffen of Hartford, South Dakota, Linda (Shane) Vos of Pipestone, and Doug (Deb) Smidt of Trosky, Minnesota; grandchildren, Brittany (Cody) Heidebrink, Gavin (Lauren) Smidt, Austin (Samantha) Westly, Halie (Wyatt) Schaap, Cole Vos, David (Becca) Steffen, Bobbie Jo (Tyler) Reznicek, Samantha Steffen, Brett (Laura) VanMeeteren, Kaitlyn (Tyson) Van Peursem, Melanie (Nic) Johnson and Hope (Brayden) Curry; great-grandchildren, Rowan, Boyer, Brantley, Ryker, Josie, Huxley, Opal, Eli, Lenox, Lottie, Aiden, Emma, Theo, Collins, Barrett, Miles, Vivianne and Eden; his sister, Dorothy (Ted) Kueker of Rochester, Minnesota; many nieces & nephews; and friends, old and new. Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Smidt; his parents, Siemen and Bertha Smidt; brother, Wally (Jeanette) Smidt; sisters, Myrna (Clarence) Borman, Marvella (Bud) Zarn and Lorraine (Leland) Scheerhorn; his parents-in-law, Joseph and Helga Suda; and brother-in-law, Don (Betty) Suda.