Obituary of Pearl Smidt

Pearl Minnie Marie (Zaedow) Smidt, the daughter of Ernest and Mary (Brokens) Zaedow, was born on February 25, 1906 in Melvin, IA. She spent her childhood years in Sanborn, IA. She attended the area school, and fondly remembers starting kindergarten in the basement of the library. She graduated from Sanborn Public School in 1925. On October 8, 1925 she married Elso Frank Smidt in Pipestone, MN. During their marriage, the couple lived in Primghar, IA, Milwaukee, WI, and then returned to Sanborn. Pearl was a long-time member of the Sanborn First Presbyterian Church. She had also been a member of Rebekah Lodge for over 52 years—having held various offices within the Lodge. She was proud to have been a member of the 50+ Club in Sanborn. She enjoyed traveling; she and Elso spent many winters in California. Pearl continued to make the trips after Elso passed away. Other hobbies included reading and playing board games (which she loved to do with the grandchildren!). In 1997, as her health began to fail her, Pearl moved to the Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn. She thoroughly enjoyed her time there. In 1998 she was elected President of the Residents’ Council. She remained at Prairie View until her death on February 21, 2007—just 4 days short of her 101st birthday. She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Gonzalez of San Pedro, CA; five grandchildren: Alex Frank (Cheryl) Gonzalez of Ludington, MI, Lisa Marie (John) Stancin of San Pedro, CA, Peter John (Kathy) Gonzalez of Redondo Beach, CA, Christine Ann Gonzalez of Paulsbo, WA, and Anthony Max (Kristine) Gonzalez of Santa Ana, CA; three great-grandchildren: Sgt. Sandy Mary Stancin of Kuwait, Iraq, Daniel John Stancin of San Pedro, CA, and Michael Scott Gonzalez of Santa Ana, CA; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Elso, and one sister, Hazel Smith. In Remembrance of Pearl Smidt Born ~ February 25, 1906 Died ~ February 21, 2007 Age ~ 100 years 11 months 26 days Funeral Service 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 26, 2007 Sanborn Funeral Chapel Sanborn, Iowa Officiating ~ Pastor Gregg Johnson Organist ~ Arlene Dykstra Congregational Singing “Just As I Am” “It Is Well With My Soul” Pallbearers Peter Gonzalez Don Kroese Richard Smidt Walt Jeffers Jack Ginger Ed Visser Interment Roseland Cemetery Sanborn, Iowa