Jacqueline “Jackie” Smeltzer, 91, of Cando, ND, passed away on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at Sanford Broadway Medical Center in Fargo. A funeral service was held on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 at the Christian Fellowship Church in Cando with Pastor Jeff Peters officiating. Visitation was Wednesday, Jan. 24 at the Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home in Cando, ND and for one hour prior to the service in the church. The interment will be held at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Cando in the Spring.
Jacqueline Jean Gunderson was born March 31, 1932, in the Egeland Hotel, which was owned by her parents, Howard and Myrtle (Graham) Gunderson. Jackie was raised in Egeland where she attended school through the 8th grade. Her family then moved to Maza, after purchasing the general store. Jackie graduated from Cando High School in 1950 and from Minot Business College in 1951. On June 8, 1951, she was united in marriage to Forrest Smeltzer in Cando where they farmed for over 60 years. To this union a son, Kelly Don, was born in October 1959.
At an early age, Jackie’s Dad instilled in her a love for hunting and fishing. She made many great outdoor memories that she shared with her husband and son. Some of the greatest being shooting a bull moose on their farm at age 65 and catching a nearly ten-pound walleye while ice fishing. She enjoyed these outdoor activities well into her late eighties.
One of Jackie’s passions was music. She played organ at the Cando Church of the Brethren for over 50 years and had an extensive sheet music collection. Another of Jackie’s hobbies was growing gladiolus flowers and she enjoyed supplying the church with fresh bouquets in the summer months. Her talent resulted in a grand champion and several other ribbons at the International Peace Garden flower competitions. Jackie also served on the Olson Township Board for over 50 years and was active with the Towner County American Cancer Society Board.
She is survived by her son, Kelly, of Cando, and a niece, Roberta (Craig) Martinson and their daughter Ingrid of Cedar Rapids, IA. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her father and mother-in-law Willard and Mary Emily Smeltzer, and her sister and brother-in-law Mildred and Robert Latimer.
Online guestbook is available at www.dunnigandix.com.
Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home of Cando, ND is in charge of arrangements.
