Gloria Ann Smidt

Gloria Ann Smidt was born on January 25, 1946 to Joseph and Helga Suda in Pipestone, Minnesota. Gloria grew up in Holland, Minnesota and attended St. James Lutheran Church, where she was baptized on February 8, 1946 and later confirmed on May 29, 1959. She attended Pipestone High School, graduating in 1964. During her years in high school, Gloria worked at the A&W in Pipestone. Gloria furthered her education by attending Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse in March of 1981. Gloria worked at Good Sam from 1976 until 1981 while she went to college. After graduating, she worked at the Pipestone County Medical Center as a surgery and staff LPN until she retired in 2004. Gloria met the love of her life, Edward Smidt, when her sister, Jeanette married Edward’s older brother, Wallace. From the age of 5, Gloria told her family she would marry Edward someday. They had an instant connection that lasted a lifetime. Gloria and Edward 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 farm in 1971, where they raised their three children and also raised sheep. In 1991, they returned to town, where they built their forever home. Gloria began dialysis in March of 2019 and continued on her journey until her Lord called her home. Gloria passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, at the age of 79 years, ten months and 19 days.

Gloria was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Pipestone, where she was involved with various activities such as Ladies Guild, Bible studies, the choir, making food for church activities and was a Sunday School and Bible School teacher. She also served as the financial secretary and enjoyed singing for weddings and funerals during her early years. After Our Saviour's Lutheran Church closed, she became a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Holland. She was a devoted Christian who put her love for her Lord at the center of her life. She would strengthen her personal relationship with God any chance she could. Gloria also enjoyed volunteering at the local food shelf, baking and cooking any chance she could and was always rooting for the Vikings. Her quick-wit, kindness and passion to help others will be remembered by those who had the privilege to know and love her. Above all, Gloria cherished her time with her family - attending as many of their activities as possible and showing her love and support.

Gloria is lovingly remembered by her husband, Edward Smidt of Pipestone, Minnesota; 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 and Miles; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Ted) Kueker of Rochester, Minnesota; many nieces & nephews; and friends, old and new. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Helga Suda; brother, Don (Betty) Suda; sister, Jeanette (Wally) Smidt; in-laws, Myrna (Clarence) Borman, Marvella (Bud) Zarn and Lorraine (Leland) Scheerhorn.