Andrew W. Smith

Andrew “Andy” Willard Smith, 93 of Fargo, died Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at Sanford Health in Fargo.

Andrew was born January 22, 1922 in Vining, MN to parents Henry and Rosa (Stemmer) Smith. As a young boy, his family moved from Vining to a farm near Valley City, ND, where he attended a country school. His dad died when Andrew was nine years old and a few years later, his mom married John Henrikson. They had a son, Robert.

In 1946 Andrew joined the Army and served at Camp Lee, VA and Fort Knox, KY, making the rank of Corporal. Following his discharge, he returned home and eventually settled in Fargo, ND. He worked for the Manchester Biscuit Co. and Squtt’s Clothing, both in Fargo. Andrew was a member of the Fargo Eagles Club for many years and was on a bowling league. He retired in 1991.

Andrew stayed busy taking care of his rental properties in Fargo and Moorhead, MN, checking on his farmland in Valley City and Ada, MN, gardening, feeding the birds in his backyard, traveling, and playing cards. It was when he first started playing cards at the Moorhead Senior Center that he met his future wife, ending his years of being a bachelor.

Andrew married Mamie “Kitty” Mittag on March 17, 1991, St. Patrick’s Day, at Vining Lutheran Church, Vining, MN. His special nickname for her was “Kata”. They made their home in Fargo. He inherited a ready-made family when he married Mamie and really enjoyed all of the extra attention. Mamie died July 17, 2014. They were married for 23 years.

Andrew is survived by his five step-children, Judy (Allan) Ladwig, Canón City, CO; Janice (Paul) Linde, Wyoming, MN; Sharon Hilber-Schanilec, Fargo, ND; Joyce (Robert) Knapp, Tucson, AZ; Ronald (Sharon) Mittag, Pelican Rapids, MN; 11 step-grandchildren; 21 step-great grandchildren; special nephew, John and his wife Julianne Salverson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father; wife, Mamie; sisters, Irene King and Lillian Salverson; and half-brother, Robert Henrikson.