Mabel Smestad

Mabel Smestad, 100, of Mayville, ND died Saturday, May 14, 2011, at Sanford Hospital in Mayville, ND. Mabel was born July 19, 1910 to Andreas and Elise (Helgeson) Smestad at Roseau, MN. In 1912 the family moved to rural Hatton, ND. Mabel attended country school, Union #54. She lived on the farm until around age 19 when she moved to Mayville. In 2005, Mabel moved to the Sun Center Apartments in Mayville. Mabel worked at various jobs including housekeeper, nanny, waitress at College Inn and at Shines Corner Café, housekeeping department at Union Hospital and many years at Mayville State College in the dietary department. Mabel started baking for people in her spare time and continued to do so until age 90. She was well known for her Berlina Kranser cookies, rolled white sugar cookies, and also molasses cookies. One Christmas season she made over 3,500 Berlina Kranser. Her Berlina Kranser cookies were once taken by Senator Norman Brunsdale and his wife Carrie to Washington, D.C. where Mamie Eisenhower served them at a White House Tea. Mable is survived by her nieces and nephews, Evelyn Anderson of Fargo, ND, Caroline Tunseth of Mayville, Kenneth (Lorraine) Eken of Mayville, Gaylor (Marcy) Offerdahl of Martinsburg, WV, Darlene (Wayne) Garrett of Mayville, Lyle (Kathy) Offerdahl of Milaca, MN, Roger (Joanne) Offerdahl of Albuquerque, NM, David (Pam) Offerdahl of Casselton, ND, and Margie (Bill) Devlin of Finley, ND. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, infant brother Albert, Oscar, Albert and Helmer Smestad; and sisters, Ida Smestad, Emma Hammerstad, Alma Anderson, Clara Eken, Minnie Smestad, and Lillie Offerdahl Rotvold. Memorials preferred to Washington Prairie Cemetery, Luther Memorial Home or Mayville Lutheran Church. Funeral Service: 2:00 PM, Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at Luther Memorial Home Chapel, Mayville, ND. Visitation: One hour prior to the funeral service, at Luther Memorial Home. Burial: Washington Prairie Cemetery, rural Hatton, ND, 4:00 PM