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Rolene Nettie Smidt
04-17-2024

Rolene Nettie Smidt (nee Olson), 86, passed to eternal rest on April 17, 2024 at Palisade Healthcare Center in Garretson, SD. She was born at the family farm in Palisade, MN to Noble T. and Fern M. Olson (nee Graton) on August, 20, 1937. Rolene was preceded by her parents, in-laws, Walt and Alice Dunn, her husband, Owen, his father, Thorvald, her brother, Mark, her sister, Joyce, nephews, John and Tim, nieces, Tammy and Heidi, and in-laws, Zelda and Tom Sawyer. 

Rolene is survived by her 7 children: Jean Marie, David, Jim (Letty), Julie, Diane, Dana Martin (Craig), and Jayne Grohmann (Gene); granddaughter: Jessica Pritiken (Tim); 2 brothers: Dudley (Joan), Newell Olson-Adler (Vic); great-granddaughter: Ruby; and step-grandsons: Martine and Jarehd; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Rolene graduated from Cathedral High School in May 1955. Shortly after high school, she attended a two year program at McKennan Hospital to become an X-Ray tech. Once she completed her training, Rolene worked several years at McKennan hospital. Before she retired, Rolene was a part-time X-Ray tech at various clinics in Sioux Falls. 

Rolene married her dearest love, Owen “Bud” Smidt, on April 12, 1958 and they shared 42 plus years of life’s ups and downs until his passing in June 2000. Raising their 7 kids was like herding cats; it was often a noisy and challenging ride! 

Before her illness, Rolene was an active member of St. Michael and St. Katharine Drexel parishes. She was a strong supporter of religious organizations, the Catholic church, and its current and future clergy (Serra Club International). Rolene was also a long time member of the Catholic Daughters of America - Court Mother Teresa. 

Rolene enjoyed volunteering at Avera Hospital, Behavioral Health and the Center for Active Generations. She enjoyed meeting with friends for coffee and she appreciated a nice glass of wine with pizza. Rolene liked playing cards and tennis; she also enjoyed watching the Hallmark channel, tennis matches and pro football games on TV. 

Rolene had a kind and generous heart, and was dearly loved by those who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and caregivers. 

There will be a Vigil Service at Barnett-Lewis Funeral home on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 6:30 PM with visitation beginning at 5:30 PM.  The Funeral Mass will be on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 1:00 PM at St. Michael Catholic Church. 

Following the Funeral Mass, a light lunch will be served in the St. Michael celebration space; all friends and family are welcome to join. 

Later in the day, Rolene’s ashes will be buried next to her beloved husband, Owen at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Sioux Falls, 

Thank you for the kind words, support and prayers at this difficult time. 

In lieu of flowers or plants, please offer up a Mass in Rolene’s name or donate to the Alzheimer's Association or the Banquet.