David C. Smeltzer, 60, of Leeds, ND,  died Thursday, March 20, 2014 at his home.  Funeral Services will be Thursday, March 27th 2014  2:00 PM at Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Richard Budd officiating.  Burial will be in the Leeds Cemetery.  All of his many friends will serve as pallbearers. Music will be from Nancy Silliman, vocalist with Dan Nybo, organist.

David Claire Smeltzer was born to Ernest and Emma (Johnson) Smeltzer at Maddock Memorial Hospital on July 28, 1953.  He was raised and educated in Leeds, graduating from the Leeds High School in 1971.  David was once married to Trudy Ellan.  Following graduation, he worked for Galen Strand Crop Spraying Service,  Hank Violett at Violett's Service and for Henry Spah Construction.  In recent years, David made hundreds of chainsaw carved bears, eagles, walking sticks and just about anything he imagined.

David was baptized and confirmed at Leeds Lutheran Church.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping with his father, brothers and friends.  His nickname while growing up was "Bare", which lead to "Bear" when he started carving them.

He is survived by a daughter:  Crystal Joy Smeltzer of Devils Lake; brothers:  Vance (Alice) Smeltzer,  Ernest L. "Tex" Smeltzer and Robert "Bob" (Susan) all of Leeds and  many nieces and nephews.  David was so thankful for his many friends, especially Donna and Kevin Anderson, Tom Tarang, classmates and special friend Grace Church.

Preceding David in death were his parents; 4 sisters:  Ellen Guss,  Audrey Olson,  Gloria Luanes and Gail Fish; and brothers:  Virgil and Bruce.  Thank you for all the memories, "Bear".





Condolences:

Smeltzer family, Uncle David has always been a great man and will be greatly missed.  It was nice to see him this last summer but it would have been nice to get to visit with him longer. Thanks for the great memories.  Rest in Peace Uncle David. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you from Montana. John Fish, Mark & Debbie, Sheila & Glen, Susie & Bill, Debbie & Chip, Cindy, Neil, Teresa & Eric and families



Tex, and all of David's family, So sorry to hear that David has left this earth.  In the days when I lived in Leeds, David and you, Tex, always took the time to visit with me and shared visits and tasty foods with me. May David rest in peace and may all of your good memories comfort you in the coming days ahead. With sympathy, prayers, and hugs, Charlotte "Peiler" Guptill



Vance, Bob, and Tex our thoughts and prayers are being sent to all of Dave's family. There are so many memories we will hold dear. So sorry we can't be there to share in his service today but we are there in "spirit"! Barb and family...Corey, Amanda, Staci, Becky, Sarah, and Josh



My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to all of you. I was deeply saddened when I heard this. I am sorry that I was unable to be there today but I will always remember Dave for the wonderful man that he was. He was always a part of our family. I will have so many dear memories of him from taking me fishing and hunting, helping me get my first deer, being at Christmas, and being at the hospital right after Dawson was born. I could go on and on there are so many. I have bears from him that will forever be a keepsake. My prayers to all of you during this difficult time and may God help heal the hurt in time......Amanda (Vee) Brown



Tex, and all of Dave's family, it is sad to hear of dear old friends leaving this life. Dave was always a special part of the community and of everyone who knew him and I was fortunate to have him for a friend. I hope that he is at peace and I am very grateful for all the good memories through the years that he left behind....may all of you always feel blessed by his life and works!  Jan Lee



Tex, sorry to hear that you lost your brother.  He was too young to be in any of my classes when I taught school in Leeds.   However, a couple years ago Mary Ann and I ran into him in Park River ND at their annual threshing bee.   He had his art work on display.   We had a long and warm conversation with him.  Condolences from Myron and Mary Ann Jallo, Rapid City, SD



Bob,Tex and Vance, I was so sorry to see this today and had no idea that David has passed on. David was so kind and giving and a great brother to you. Our love and prayers to all in our family. I have a bear from David in my garden and it reminds me daily of Mom's North Dakota family and wish I could see you all more. Love from your niece Bonnie (Guss)Phillips