Elizabeth Mary (Duerr) Smykowski

Elizabeth M. Smykowski, 71 of Lisbon, North Dakota died Monday, July 30, 2018 at her home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley surrounded by her loving family.

Elizabeth was born on January 9, 1947 to Frank and Gladys (Strege) Duerr in Breckenridge, Minnesota. She was raised on the family farm near Claire City, South Dakota. Elizabeth attended country school and later finished her elementary education at St. Boniface Catholic School in Lidgerwood, North Dakota. After graduating from Lidgerwood High School, she raised her family, living in many different communities and working various jobs. Elizabeth resettled in Lidgerwood in the early 80s’. On January 1, 1985 she met Kevin Smykowski and the story of their life together started.

She attended Wahpeton School of Science, graduating with honors in 1987. Elizabeth and Kevin married on August 4, 1989 and made their home in Lisbon. She continued her education at Valley City State and graduated with honors in May of 1991. Elizabeth then started her teaching career in August of 1991 in Lisbon, teaching 1st grade the first year and 3rd grade the rest of her career. She loved teaching, but her students were reason why Elizabeth loved her chosen career. The 2002-2003 school years, she did not teach to battle cancer. Elizabeth returned in 2004 and continued to teach until retiring in 2012.

Elizabeth enjoyed her flowers and gardening. She cherished time spent with her children, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Kevin Smykowski DVM of Lisbon, ND; children, Christine Garcia of Boise, ID; Dr. Terry (Tammy) Marmon II of Bardstown, KY; Hiedi (Stacy) McDaniel of Forsyth, MT; Monique Wirtz of Williston, ND; eleven grandchildren, Chaz (Mandi) Vorrias, Jesse Vorrias, Kayla (Tyler) Wasem, Desiree Garcia, Jasmine (Demetrius) Riddick, Alyssa Marmon, Trey McDaniel, Colt McDaniel, Sage McDaniel, Journey Benz and Atlin Wirtz; six great-grandchildren, Daken Vorrias, Emerson Wasem, Aliyah Wasem, Jaylyn Riddick, Traysen Riddick and Kloey Riddick; sister, Nina (Ron) Jacobson of Rosemount, MN; four brothers, Robert (Jane) Duerr of Battle Lake, MN; Dale (Colleen) Duerr of Pelican Rapids, MN; Tom (Lynna) Duerr of West Fargo, ND and Carrol (Yvonne) Duerr of Pelican Rapids, MN; numerous nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jim Duerr.

Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Lidgerwood, ND

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