ELSIE SMESTAD

Elsie W. Smestad, age 100, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, at Prairie Home in Menasha. Elsie was born July 10, 1915 in Tigerton, WI, the daughter of the late Ludwig and Floretha (Kluth) Lehman. On August 21, 1937 she was united in marriage to Oscar Smestad. They raised their family on a farm in Wittenberg, WI and moved to Neenah the summer of 1960. Oscar passed away October of 1978. They were charter members of Peace Lutheran Church, Neenah. Elsie was a devoted Christian and was active in the Mission Guild, and Altar Guild. She also volunteered in the Theda Clark Hospital Auxiliary from 1965 to June 2000. Elsie was a talented seamstress for many years sewing for her family and others. One of the biggest changes in her life came at age 12 when they had electricity installed in the farmhouse and barn in rural Tigerton. Survivors include one daughter, Karen Powell, Neenah; three sons: Charles (Shirley) Smestad, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Randall (Vicki) Smestad, Glenview, Illinois, Russell (Pamela) Smestad, Middleton, WI. Also, eight grandchildren: Michael & Scott Smestad, Kristin Sanders, Adam, Andrea, Justin (Whitney), & Garrett Smestad, Michelle (Ryan) Kipp; two great-grandchildren, Griffin Sanders and Emma Kipp; also many nieces and nephews. Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother, Walter Lehman, one sister, Irmgard Anderson, a sister-in-law, Doretta Lehman, a brother-in-law, Ivan Anderson, a son, James Smestad, Dec. 1972, and a son-in-law, Harold Powell. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church, 1228 S. Park Ave., in Neenah with Pastor Ricky Schroeder officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service. A memorial to Peace Lutheran Church is being established. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Prairie Home and Theda Care at Home for their compassion, care and support these last few years.