Clarence L. Smieja
SWANVILLE -- Clarence L. Smieja, 78, Swanville, died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2002, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
He was born Dec. 24, 1923, in Royalton to Peter and Gertrude (Dubiel) Smieja. He grew up in Royalton and married Ione Trutwin on Oct. 10, 1944. They farmed in Royalton for five years and in Pierz for 15 years. In 1963 they moved to Swanville and farmed there ever since. He had nine children and was a foster parent.
Survivors include his wife; three sons, Michael Smieja, Rice, Daniel Smieja, Rice, and Scott Smieja, Monticello; six daughters, Carol Anderson, Fort Ripley, Melody Gradin, Clear Lake, Debra Robinson, Zimmerman, Pamela Smieja, Shakopee, Wanda Baumgartner, Elk River, and Brenda Bohlinger, Shakopee; a brother, Roman Smieja, Royalton; a sister, Betty Doroff, Little Falls; 21 grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
His parents; five brothers, Adolph, Lawrence, Benny, Albert and Ralph Smieja; and three sisters, Eleanor Novitzki, Marcella Bursey and Irene Bursey, died earlier.
Services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville with Father Bernard Gruenes officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. today with parish prayers at 7 p.m. and from noon until services Monday at the church.
Arrangements are with Brenny Funeral Home (West Chapel) in Little Falls.