Doris Smithson

Doris Smithson, 86, of Homestead, with her family by her side, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at her home. She was born on October 23, 1926, one of twelve children born to the late Edward and Anna (Dixon) Lantz. She was a graduate of Felch High School and worked as a secretary in Chicago for 2 years. In 1947, Doris married Sumner Grunlund and together they built a home while raising their family in Foster City. They subsequently moved to Norway Lake where they built and operated The Norway Lake Village Mart and continued to raise their family. Sumner preceded her in death in 1970. Doris later married Donald Nault and they moved to Homestead, WI where they built a home together and lived until Donald's death in 1994. Doris married Benjamin Smithson in 1999 and they have made their home in Homestead since that time. She enjoyed a life of study in God's Word while sharing her love for Him with others. She hosted many home Bible studies throughout the years and many of her Christian friends called her a teacher, counselor and a mentor. Her passion for sharing her faith was first in her life and she had amazing boldness and strength of conviction. She and Ben prayed diligently for loved ones and strangers while touching many lives. She is survived by her husband Benjamin; her children, Regan (Deby) Grunlund of Howell, MI, Leon (Kathleen) Grunlund of Norway Lake, Debra (Allen) Dixon of Norway Lake and Rosanne (Rex) Cosgrove of Moscow, ID; step children, Donald (Bev) Nault of Escanaba, Donna Milis of Wisconsin, Darwin (Louise) Nault of Gladstone, Dale (Chris) Nault of Stonington, Patsy, Peggy and Jim Nault, Kenneth Kasten of Aurora, Gayle (Ed) Gorman of Ironwood, MI and Steven (Heather) Smithson of King George, VA; sisters, Ruth Kouvelis of Chicago, Jaqueline Sheldon of Kingsford and Norma Alexander of Felch; brothers, Herbert (Carol) Lantz of Norway Lake and Donald (Janet) Lantz of Pickeral Lake; sisters in law, Rita Pozza, Delores Lantz, Blanche Lantz, Ruth Hirn, Caroline and Marge Smithson; brother in law, Rocky Rasmussan. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Doris was preceded in death by three brothers, Roy, Chester and Robert Lantz; four sisters, Bonnie Rasmussan, Vivian Quick, Janet Olson and Eleanor Lamont; step children, Larry, Teri and Bradley. Visitation will be from 10:00am-12:00 Noon on Saturday, Jan. 12th at Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan/Felch. Memorial services will follow at 12:00 Noon at the church. Rev. Joel Smeby will officiate. Burial will be in the Foster City Cemetery. Flowers will be provided by the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Doris Smithson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Doris Smithson

October 23, 1926 - January 5, 2013