Sam (Selmer) Martin Smith

The family of Sam (Selmer) Smith, 85, of Minneota, invites everyone to enjoy one more community meal in his memory. Come celebrate his life with us on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the Minneota American Legion.

Sam (Selmer) Smith was born December 2nd, 1938, in Minneota, MN, to Sidney and Elva (Brue) Smith.  He attended District 24 country school in Nordland Township through 3rd grade and Minneota Public School thereafter.  At age 23, Sam served in the U.S. Army.  He was first stationed at Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX, and then Fort Chaffee, Fort Smith, AR.  After discharge, Sam continued to farm with his father.  During an evening out with friends, Sam met his wife of 55 years, Sandi.  They were married June 22, 1968, and had two children, Shelli and Stuart.  Sam worked at the Minneota Manor on the maintenance crew for 10 years, from 1992 - 2002, and made many lifelong friends.  He also drove school bus in Minneota for 12 years from 1958 - 1961 and 1989 - 1998.  He often recalled cute stories of how the kids made him laugh over the years.

Sam actively farmed for 70 years, including this last season, and was a true farmer through and through.  He loved his land and was very proud of attaining 'Century Farm' status, as his grandfather purchased the land in 1913.  Sam was also very conservation minded and spent many hours maintaining his wooded trails, ponds and picnic grounds.  He enjoyed the natural world immensely and loved sharing it with family and friends. 

Sam was very community minded and always made a point to attend any local gatherings or fundraisers.  He treasured all his morning 'coffee buddies', and would always come home with funny stories to tell.  He also held a yearly picnic on the farm for neighbors to connect and share a meal.

There was nothing more important to Sam than family.  He was always ready with a quick smile, a healthy dose of teasing, and an arm to lean on.  There were countless camping trips, lazy Sundays on the lake, family picnics, and ATV rides.  Yet he really loved a simple meal and good conversation most.  Sam was always generous with his time and his love, and had the ability to make people feel special and appreciated.

Sam died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, January 17th, at his residence in Minneota at the age of 85.  He is survived by his wife Sandi; his daughter Shelli Smith (Denver, CO); his son Stuart Smith, daughter-in-law Susan, and their daughters Olivia and Lauren (Black Forest, CO); his sister Allie Enga and her partner Luther Eidem (Cottonwood, MN); his brother Alvin Smith and his wife Marilyn (Minneota, MN); his sister Sylvia Swanson and her husband Wayne (Breezy Point, MN); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He is preceded in death by his father Sidney Smith; his mother Elva Smith Myhre; and his sister June Findlay.

Sam's family invites everyone to enjoy one more community meal in his memory.  Come celebrate his life with us on Saturday, January 27th, 2024, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Minneota American Legion.  Any gifts received on Sam's behalf will be donated to the Southwest Sportsmen's Club to maintain local wildlife areas.