Obit: Smith, Gloria J. (1925 – 2009)
Contact: Dolores

Surnames: Smith, Jahn, Tande, Bradley, Edwards, Oppedisano, Thompson, Erickson, Downer, Jacobson, Olson, Passow

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) January 28, 2009

Smith, Gloria J. (2 November 1925 – 24 January 2009)

Gloria J. Smith, 83, of Merrillan died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, at Black River Memorial Hospital, Black River Falls.

Gloria was born Nov. 2, 1925, in Alma Center to parents Thomas and Ida Rose (Jahn) Tande. She graduated from high school in Alma Center. She married Oliver LeRoy Smith May 10, 1944, in Black River Falls and the couple resided in Merrillan.

Gloria was a very active member of the United Methodist Women, both at the local and district levels. She was also a Sunday school teacher and a member of the Merrillan United Methodist Church Choir.

Making Lefse was a special talent of Gloria’s, and she sold her Lefse locally and throughout the United States. She was a very good cook and enjoyed playing cards, bird watching and flower gardening.

Gloria was always ready to help her many friends and neighbors. She was a member of the Jackson County Homemakers organization and also spent time volunteering with the local Lion’s Club and as a poll worker during elections. She was an avid Packers and Brewers fan.

Gloria is survived by two daughters, Loetta Bradley of Framingham, MA, and Jackie Edwards of Eau Claire; one brother, Ferris Tande of Black River Falls; one sister, Doris Oppedisano of Yucca Valley, CA; three grandchildren, Briana Edwards of Lonsdale, MN, Kaitlin Edwards of Prior Lake, MN, and Meghan Bradley of Framingham, MA; special friend, Laura Thompson of Merrillan; besides many other relatives and friends.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver, in 1998; by her infant son, Donald; and by seven brothers and sisters.

Funeral services for Gloria J. Smith will be held Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Merrillan, with Reverend Meg Erickson officiating. Burial will take place in East Lawn Cemetery, Alma Center. Friends called Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton and may also call one hour prior to services at the church.

Casketbearers will be Dale Downer, Jerry Jacobson, David Olson, Bob Passow, Butch Passow and Milo Tande.