Deborah Marie Smith

Deborah Marie Smith, 71, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at home with her family at her side, after a courageous 15-year battle with cancer. She fought the cancer with all her might until there was no fight left.

She was born March 4, 1954, to S. Luther and Audrey (Sande) Simonson. She was the oldest of 4 children and followed her family's tradition of attending Concordia College in Moorhead, MN after high school. She graduated with an elementary education degree and met her to-be-husband, Wayne Smith, while teaching in Wanamingo, MN. She and Wayne married August 5, 1978, and completed their family with 3 children, Diana, Eric, and Ryan.

The majority of her career was spent working as an Assistant to the Bishop for the ELCA for 14 years and as a Marketing Representative for the ELCA Foundation. She enjoyed reading, cross-stitch, sewing, and watching the wildlife in their backyard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Audrey; her sister, Rachel; and her brother, Nathaniel. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Wayne Smith; her children, Diana Moore, Eric Smith, and Ryan (Abby) Smith; and 6 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 25, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 301 8th Ave NW in Kasson, MN with Pastor Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday. September 24, 2025, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE in Kasson, MN and one hour prior to her service at the church on Thursday.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55944 (507)634-6510. Blessed be her memory.