Jennie C. Smith

Jennie Christine (Viken) Smith, 77, of Punta Gorda, FL, and Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Jennie was born on August 24, 1947, to Lawrence and Lena (Finell) Viken in Mayville, ND. She grew up in Clifford, ND, and graduated from Clifford-Galesburg High School in 1965. She married the love of her life, Alan Smith, at Norman Lutheran Church in Clifford on August 29, 1965. Together for nearly 60 years, they built a life full of family, faith, and adventure. Jennie considered her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren among her greatest blessings. She often spoke of the deep love and joy they brought to her, seeing each of them as a treasured gift from God.

In Galesburg, Jennie and Alan co-owned and managed Galesburg Implement, a John Deere dealership, for nearly 30 years. After retiring, they split their time between Big Cormorant Lake and Florida.

Jennie had a heart for ministry and fellowship, especially through Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), which deepened her walk with Christ and brought her great joy. She also led a summer Bible study at Shoreham Chapel on Lake Melissa.

Jennie loved to travel with memorable trips to the Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, Monaco, Russia, Israel, and Beijing. Her favorite trips, though, were the annual February getaways to Cancun with family and friends.

Jennie’s life was forever changed by the loss of her son, Jason, in 2009. It deepened her faith and gave her strength. In her writings, she shared, “Someday I will be home with Jason and all my loved ones. To God be the Glory.”

Jennie is survived by her loving husband, Alan Smith; children, Murray (Donna) Smith and Paula Winter; the grandchildren she so deeply loved: Jordan (Nicole) Smith, Tyler (Craig O’Keefe) Smith, Samantha Smith, Kayla (James Eaves) Winter, and Christine Winter; great-grandchildren, Henry, Josephine, Charlie, Oliver, and Lena; sisters, Leanna (Kaare) Aarsvold and Rosalie (Brian) Ross; and many dear relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Lena Viken; her beloved son, Jason Smith; and her brother, James Viken.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead, MN.

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Elm River Lutheran Church in Galesburg, ND, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Elm River Cemetery, Galesburg. A recording of the service will be posted afterward here on Jennie's webpage. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge or Dakota Boys Ranch.

To God be the glory for the life of Jennie Smith.