Michael Dean Smith

With sadness and love, the family of Michael Smith announces his passing on December 7, 2020.

Michael Dean Smith was born November 23, 1961 in Fargo, ND to Dean and Cleo (Olsen) Smith. Mike grew up in Cormorant, MN and attended Lake Park High School until he joined the Navy in 1979. He married Marleen Klovstad on October 10^th, 1980. The pair moved to Charleston, SC, where they welcomed their first child, Misty. After his time in the Navy, Mike and Marleen returned to Cormorant, MN where they had their two younger children, McKenzie and Michael. The couple shared 19 years of marriage together.

Mike was a jack of all trades and, if you knew him, you knew Mike as a hard worker. With a ‘straight shooter’ personality, Mike is remembered for calling things out as they were. He was a guy that could make friends anywhere he went. Mike was known for his ability to train and ride any horse, including driving a team of draft horses eight across! He loved hunting, fishing, and conversing over a cup of coffee.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Dean, and his grandparents.

Mike is missed by his mother, Cleo; his daughters, Misty (Michael) Ostazewski and McKenzie Smith; his son, Michael (Jenna) Smith; grandchildren, Max Ostazewski and Kiara Wasness; his siblings, Tammy Smith, Cheryl (Tom) Herfindahl, and Timothy (Betsy) Smith; a host of nieces and nephews; and his dearest friend, Lisa Brunette.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 11, 2020, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M., followed by a private family service at 11:00 A.M., at Wright Funeral Home in Hawley, MN.  Interment will be at Lake Ida Cemetery.