Laurie Smerud

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Laurie Jean Smerud's passing.  

Laurie was born in Mahnomen, MN on August 17, 1951, to Ernest and Alene Krajsa. She attended school and graduated from Mahnomen in 1969.  In her youth, she enjoyed spending her time doing her many outdoor chores on the family farm.  She helped raise, care for, and tended to the many farm animals they had, moving the cows from pasture to pasture while riding horse-so maybe that wasn't too much of a chore for her.  She helped haul hay with her Dad and pulled weeds in the garden for her Mom.  She was also taught how to bake bread from scratch by her Mom, which was a great privilege.  She was also involved in the 4-H club.  She had a deep love for growing up on their family farm and making long lasting memories with her family, whom she loved dearly.

Laurie married her soulmate, Dennis Smerud on May 16, 1970, in Watertown, SD.  They made their first home in Dilworth, eventually moving to Fargo, ND where they welcomed their first child, Brian in 1977.  In 1982 they welcomed their second child, Amber.  Over the years they opened their heart and home to 47 foster children in need of care.  Dennis and Laurie found their perfect place to plant their roots and built their dream home in the country, along the river where they lived to the fullest the rest of their days.

Laurie worked in various administrative and clerical positions.  She was able to use so much of her love and knowledge of nature and outdoors, volunteering her time to lead a fun Campfire group for kids.  She was also able to pass on her faith to children as a Sunday school teacher.

Laurie had so many hobbies and truly enjoyed spending her time outdoors, getting her hands in the earth- planting her gardens as well as planting the most beautiful flower beds and using her wild creativity to make it her own.  She was able to put anything into the ground, and it would grow.   She had an artistic touch that could bring new life into forgotten treasures. Her love for riding horses and caring for her animals brought her so much happiness.  She loved her dogs she had over the years and the companionship they gave her.  She had a passion for watching wildlife go through their back yard and snapping all the pictures of the sunsets and sunrises. She enjoyed riding motorcycle with her husband, Dennis, and going on their many motorcycle road trips with her siblings and their spouses.  She also enjoyed the many snowmobile trips we all went on for our larger family get togethers.  She adored being a mother and loved with her whole heart.  She was filled with so much joy when she became a grandma and eventually a great grandma!  She was always looking forward to attending everyone's activities and was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Her greatest gift was time spent with them and watching them grow.  Baking Christmas cookies and "happy cakes" and decorating the Christmas trees were some of her favorite times with them.

Laurie was a kind soul with the sweetest heart.  She loved with her whole being, giving selflessly, holding a place for anyone.  Laurie embraced every moment and celebrated life’s simple joys, never holding back pieces of herself.  She had an unwavering spirit and a calm determination that when life became challenging, she would say "God only gives us what we can handle".  She will continue to inspire her loved ones to always have hope, keeping faith alive and knowing brighter days are ahead and to live life to the fullest.  Her light will continue within us all and we will treasure each memory with her.

Laurie is survived by her Son, Brian Smerud of West Fargo, ND.  Daughter, Amber (Jason) Welsh, Fargo ND.  Grandchildren Hailey Smerud, Savanah (Carter) Tibiatowski, Haylee (Taj) Moore, Tegan and Rylen Welsh, Great-Grandchildren, Amiyah, Alaiyah, Tyren, Trayveon, Adonis.  Siblings, Diane MacGregor, Ken (Kay) Krajsa, Vicky (Bob) Frank, her Sister-In-Laws, Amy Habeck, Cindy (Steve) Marquart as well as many nieces and nephews and her very loved dog, Patty.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Dennis.  Her parents Ernest Krajsa and Alene Krajsa Hendrickson, Step-Father Edwin Hendrickson, her brothers, Ernest Jr., Donald, and David.  Brother-in-Laws, Richard MacGregor, Tom Habeck, Sister-in-Law, Nancy Lee.

Visitation: Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 5-7 PM, at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:30 AM, at Faith Journey Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND, with visitation one hour before the service.

Burial: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 1 PM, at Fargo National Cemetery, rural Harwood, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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