J. Marie Smith

Fargo

J. Marie Smith of Fargo, formerly of Horace and Towner, North Dakota, passed away March 19 at Hearts In Action Heather’s House hospice, surrounded by family members. She was 91. Known widely as Marie, she was born November 24, 1934, to Adolph and Juliana Clemenson and baptized as Juliana Marie. She was the youngest of the two daughters they raised on the historic Clemenson Farm south of Horace. Her childhood nickname was Tomey, given to her by her father because of her tomboy antics. Marie attended school in Horace, Fargo and West Fargo, graduating from West Fargo High School in 1951.

She and James Richard Smith of West Fargo were married May 24, 1952, at Horace Lutheran Church. After starting a family in West Fargo (Juli, Shane, Mark and Tim), the Smiths assumed ownership of the Clemenson Farm, where they remained for the next 10 years. Marie worked as a part-time office assistant, including for the principal of the Horace School, and the family was active with Horace Lutheran. They also pursued a family hobby of raising and showing Appaloosa horses.

In 1970, the Smiths moved to Towner, where they ranched and where Marie would spend the longest period of her life, first on the ranch north of town, then in Towner itself. Marie and Jim participated in many community activities, from school and church to golf and chariot racing. Marie was known for her creative eye and artistic talent. She and partner June Anderson operated a stained-glass studio and gift shop, A Touch of Glass, on Towner’s Main Street. Marie and June designed and made many glass windows for churches, the North Dakota Capitol, and individuals. Following Jim’s death in 1998, Marie sold the ranch and moved into Towner, where she enjoyed her Victorian-era home and expansive flower beds. For her last years, Marie returned to her roots, first moving back to the Horace farm, then into Fargo.

Marie is survived by daughter Juli Thorson (Edward Sala), of Troy, Idaho; son M. Shane Smith (Pam), of Bloomington, Minnesota; son Mark (Gail), of West Fargo; granddaughter Erin Hagemeister (Mark) of Fessenden; grandson Matt Smith of West Fargo; and great-grandchildren Jacob and Annika Hagemeister. She also leaves cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Martha Ann Arntson; husband; and son Tim.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 27, 1 p.m., at Horace Lutheran Church. A fellowship coffee service and interment of ashes at the Clemenson Cemetery will take place immediately after. Marie requested that memorials be given to the Clemenson Cemetery Fund, c/o M. Shane Smith, 9603 Wyoming Terrace, Bloomington, MN 55438.

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 14, 2026.