Virgil C. Smeltzer, 67, of Leeds, ND,  died Friday, April 16, 2010, at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 21, 2010,  10:30 AM  at Leeds Lutheran Church in Leeds with Pastor Richard Budd officiating.  Burial will be in the Leeds Lutheran Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday, from 4 to 7pm with a 7pm Prayer Service at the  Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds and Wednesday at the church a hour before the funeral. Casket bearers will be:  Kenneth Arens,  Wally Bisbee,  George Freund,  Larry McIntyre,  Frank Ritterman and Gary Rolle.  Music for the service will be from Nancy Silliman, vocalist with Dan Nybo, organist.

Virgil Clifford Smeltzer was born December 24, 1942, in Leeds, ND, the son of Ernest and Emma (Johnson) Smeltzer.  He was raised in Leeds and graduated from the Leeds High School in 1960.  Virgil married Sharon Mason on October 31, 1964.  The couple made their home in Leeds where Virgil worked as a handyman, carpenter and sheep shearer.  He built garages, shingled roofs and remodeled many homes in the surrounding area.

He was baptized, confirmed and a life member of Leeds Lutheran Church.  Virgil was also a member of the Leeds Jaycees and Leeds Fire Department.  He loved the outdoors where he hunted and fished with his sons and grandchildren and also taught many Hunter Safety classes through the years.  Virgil especially loved his grandchildren and spent time showing them all around the area.  One of his greatest pleasures was to visit with people.  Virgil was well known and liked by people all across North Dakota and will be missed by his family and friends.

Grateful for sharing in his life were his wife:  Sharon of Leeds;  sons:  Scott (Billie) Smeltzer of Gilbert, AZ and Shane (Danielle) Smeltzer of Chandler, AZ;  two grandchildren:  Zachary and Jacob;  five step-grandchildren:  Caitlyn,  Courtney,  Brian,  Ashley and Logan;  five brothers:  Vance (Alice) Smeltzer,  Tex Smeltzer,  Bruce Smeltzer,  Bob (Susan) Smeltzer and David Smeltzer all of Leeds;  a sister:  Gaile (John) Fish of Butte, MT; several nieces and nephews and an aunt:  Ruby (Harold) Halvorson of Leeds.

Preceding him in death were his parents:  Ernest and Emma Smeltzer;  grandparents:  Morris and Pernella Johnson and Albert and Anna Smeltzer;   sisters:  Audrey Olson,  Ellen Guss and Gloria Launes.

Virgil's family wishes to thank everyone for all of the prayers and many acts kindness extended to them during the past six years.



Condolences:

Sharon, Scott & Shane,      I don't think I could put into words how much Virgil will be missed by us all!    Please know that my families thoughts and prayers are with you all!        Kelly & Angie Malchose & Family

Sharon - Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Please remember that Virgil is no longer in pain and is watching over you and yours.     Connie & Kristie Tollefson

Our deepest sympathy on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.   Rich + Janet Godman

Sharon, Don't know what to says but our throughts and prayers are with you. Virgil was a great guy and will be missed alot. Carla Moe & family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you today! Peace be with you all! Renada (Smeltzer) Rutti

To the family of Virgil. So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a fun guy and always had a joke to tell. May God Bless you all and know that he is in the hands of Jesus with no more pain or sorrow. Love to the whole family.  Janie Britton

Sharon and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Lisa Schwandt