Gertrude A. Smith

Gertrude Ann Smith, 90, formerly of Moorhead, MN, died on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, in her home with her family by her side.

Gertrude Ann Hansmann was born December 29, 1927, the daughter of Joseph and Gena (Carlson) Hansmann, in Moorhead and graduated from Moorhead High School in 1947. She attended and graduated from a local business college before launching a career as a secretary.

On February 12, 1953, she was married to Lowell Arthur Smith in Moorhead. They raised their three daughters and a son primarily in Bismarck and Ypsilanti, ND. Lowell passed away on September 29, 1979. Gertrude later moved to Jamestown, ND, until her retirement, at which time she moved to Fargo, ND, to be closer to her family.

She was a secretary at the North Dakota State Hospital (Chaplaincy Department) in Jamestown for well over 25 years. After retiring, she moved back to Fargo and devoted herself to her family. She was a devoted Catholic, and an active volunteer for several local charities including St Vincent de Paul, Birthright, the Emergency Food Pantry, and Holy Spirit Church. She was an Eucharistic minister who served communion to those who were homebound.

She enjoyed traveling, bowling, walking, crafting, gardening, physical activity, and participating in any activities that involved her children or grandchildren. Her passion was quilting and sewing; she dedicated more than three quarters of her life to the craft, making personal hand-stitched quilts for her family and friends. We will miss her sense of humor and nurturing, loving heart.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for their support and care. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Gertrude is survived by her children, Julie Norris, Cynthia (Kevin) Lichtsinn, Kathy Smith and Jeffrey Smith, all from Fargo; grandchildren, Racheal (Ronald) Dailey, Nathan (Amy) Norris, Nicole (John) Harris and Sarah (Abe) Lyon; great-grandchildren, Charles A. Johnson III, Jada Norris, Mackenzie Norris, Isaiah Norris, Ada Lyon and Oliver Harris; and one sister Dorothy Monson, Fargo. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters, Margaret Ernst, Sr. Regina Hansmann, and Mary Lou Peterson; and two brothers, Edward and John Hansmann.

A Visitation for Gertrude will be Sunday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, April 2, 2018, at 11:00 AM, in Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Fargo. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead.