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Raymond Zellmann obituary, 10/15/2003


Earl K. “Bill” Smith, 87, of Plymouth, formerly
of Benson, Minn., peacefully died at home Oct. 14, 2003, surrounded by his
family.
Earl was born July 15, 1916, in Benson, Minn., the son
of Earl and Ella Palmateer Smith.
He attended Benson Public Schools and played on the football
team.
Earl worked for West Central Trucking, Quinn Car and Equipment
Co., both in Benson, Central Petroleum Oil, then Odegaard Motors in Princeton,
Moorhouse Turkey Hatchery in Clear Lake, Willmar Poultry, and started his
own company, Ker, Inc.
Earl was a charter member of the Benson Lion’s Club in
Benson.
He married Delia Swenson. She preceded him in death.
He married Irma Gutzman June 1, 1957, at Peace Lutheran
Church in Hutchinson.
Earl is also preceded in death by his parents, sisters
Nellie Bertsch, Esther Sunde, and brothers Leo and Lester Smith.
Earl is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Irma,
children Jane Bebar of San Diego, Calif., Rec. Steven Gutzmann of Spokane,
Wash., and Jon “Jack” Gutzmann of St. Paul.
He is further survived by six grandchildren: Sarah, Daniel,
Lisa, Jessica, Jocelyn, and Koji; great grandson Erik, sisters Mayme Fisher
of Portland, Ore., and Lillian Jergenson of Benson, nieces, nephews, and
many friends.
Memorial services for Earl Smith were Saturday, Oct. 25
at 1 p.m. at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, with visitation one
hour prior to the service.
Interment was at Spring Creek Cemetery.
The Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel served the family.

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