Dennis Smerud

   Dennis T. Smerud passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at SMP Health-St. Cathrine North, Fargo, ND.

   Dennis was born in Moorhead, MN to Tilford & Eva Smerud on March 7th, 1942. He attended school in Perley, MN in his younger years and graduated high school from Hendrum, MN in 1960. As a young child he worked at his father’s garage, Smerud Motor Co. in Perley, MN. In 1966 he was drafted to Vietnam serving until 1968 and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1972. While he served in Vietnam, he was a part of the ordinance and mechanics company and involved in many missions including the TET offensive.

   He married his soulmate Laurie Krajsa on May 16, 1970 in Watertown, SD. They made their first home in Dilworth, MN. He worked in construction until he started his own drywall company, Valley Drywall. They then moved to Fargo where they welcomed their first baby boy, Brian. Over the course of the years, they opened their home to 47 children in need of foster care. After some years of waiting, they then were able to welcome their baby girl, Amber. Dennis and Laurie purchased a lot in the country to build their dream home where they still live. Dennis was owner and operator of Valley Drywall until he finally retired. He was successful and very proud of his work and the builds he was a part of.

   Dennis enjoyed life, his family, and loved ones fiercely always being by your side and never walking away. His heart was gold, but yet soft, always making you know you were cared for. He was thoughtful, selfless, and kind. He taught us to be fair, honest, and strong-never to give up. He had a fun sense of humor that we all looked forward to, like the way he would throw on his hat just to be silly, the things he would say just to take us by surprise, and the funny stories of his youth and pranks made in the Army. Even in hard times, he was still that guy. Dennis also had a stubborn side with a “my way” attitude. He was strong and independent, and he loved his family endlessly.

   Over his life he enjoyed tinkering in the garage, DIY projects, singing while mowing the lawn, motorcycling, snowmobiling, traveling with his family, and family get togethers-4th of July and Christmas were his favorite. He took great pride in being a father and grandfather and being involved with his children’s activities. Eventually sharing the same love of enjoying watching his grandchildren grow and do what they love to do. He also had a big soft spot for his dogs.

   Dennis is survived by his wife Laurie. Son, Brian (Kim) Smerud of Moorhead, MN. Daughter Amber (Jason) Welsh, Fargo, ND. Grandchildren, Hailey Smerud, Savanah (Carter) Tibiatowski, Haylee (Taj) Moore, Tegan Welsh, Rylen Welsh. Siblings, Amy Habeck, Cindy (Steve) Marquart. Great-Grandchildren, Amiyah, Alaiyah, Tyren, Trayveon, Adonis. Sons, Dennis and Duane

   He is preceded in death by his parents, Tilford & Eva (Ricker) Smerud, sister Nancy Lee, brother-in-law, Tom Habeck, Father-in-law, Ernest Krajsa, mother-in-law, Alene (Trnka) Krajsa-Hendrickson

   Visitation: Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 5-7 p.m., in West Funeral Home, West Fargo.

   Funeral Service: Friday, September 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., in Faith + Journey Lutheran Church, West Fargo, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

   Interment: Friday, September 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., in Fargo National Cemetery, rural Harwood, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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