Linda Jean Smith 1953-2026

Linda Jean Smith, age 73, of
Madelia, Minnesota, formerly
of Maple Lake and Richmond,
Minnesota, died on September
30, 2026, at her home.
Visitation will be on Tuesday,
October 6, 2026, from 4 to 6
p.m., at Sturm Funeral Home
in Madelia, Minnesota, and will
continue on Wednesday from 10
until 11 a.m. at the Church of St.
Timothy in Maple Lake, Minne-
sota.

Funeral Service will be held
at the Church of St. Timothy
in Maple Lake, Minnesota, on
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at
11 a.m. Luncheon to follow at the
V in Maple Lake.

Interment will be at the Calva-
ry Cemetery in Faribault, Min-
nesota, on Thursday, October 8,

2026 at 11 a.m.
Arrangements are with the
Sturm Funeral Home in Mad-
elia. Online Condolences may
be left for the family at www.
sturmfh.com.

Linda Jean (Neuroth) Smith
was born in Chicago, Illinois,
on January 7, 1953, Linda was
the first of eight children born
to Lee and Elaine Neuroth. Her
upbringing in Fox Lake, Illinois,
brought her appreciation for
family and tradition, particu-
larly during cherished visits to
Minnesota, where her Polish
grandmother often took her to
visit. These experiences blos-
somed into a lifelong love for the
state, guiding her to settle and
thrive in Minnesota through her
education and adult life.
Linda was a proud member
of the Carmel High School for
Girls, graduating in the top 10
of her class in 1971. She pursued
her passion for learning at St.
Mary's College in Winona, Min-
nesota, graduating cum laude
in natural sciences in 1975. Her
love for music shone brightly
as she became a certified piano
teacher through the Minnesota
Music Teachers Association and
earned her Suzuki Piano Teacher
certification.

In her 50 years of marriage
to her beloved husband, Dan-
iel Smith, whom she wed on
October 23, 1976, in Rochester,
Minnesota, Linda nurtured a
beautiful family. Together, they
raised two wonderful children,
welcomed three grandchildren
and was godmother to eight
children.

A pillar of the local education-
al community, Linda co-founded
the Youth Education at Home
(YEAH) home school group in
St. Cloud, where she served as
president for over 15 years. She
was also the owner and educa-
tor at Sweet Sound Studio for
25 years. Her commitment to
the arts was evident during her
decade-long presidency with
the Central Minnesota Music
Teachers, where she also served
as a judge for numerous music
programs. She produced and
hosted the 'Friends of the Fami-
ly' monthly TV show in St. Cloud
for 10 years.

Linda's spirit extended be-
yond her musical contributions;
she dedicated countless hours
to church activities as a musi-
cian and singer for the church.

Her kindness and passion for
learning led her to start and
lead various book clubs, partici-
pate in the Seven Sisters Prayer
Ministry, and contribute to local
pro-life initiatives. Faith in God
was the driving force in her life.
Linda's very warm and kind
personality touched everyone
she met. She enriched the lives
of her family, friends, and stu-
dents. She was a devoted volun-
teer and a dedicated member of
the community.

Linda is survived by her hus-
band, Dan Smith; daughter, An-
gela (Dan Kennedy) Smith; son,
John (Miranda) Smith; father,
Lee Neuroth; siblings: Lenette
Peterson, Lee Neuroth, James
Neuroth, Kirk (Rose) Neuroth;
grandchildren: Adrian, Katrina
and Cheyenne Smith. She was
preceded in death by her moth-
er, Elaine Neuroth; brothers,
Thomas and John Neuroth; and
sister, Paula Neuroth.

Heartfelt thanks to the Allina
Hospice Staff: Kim, Ashley, Ma-
rissa, Shayla, Shannon, Terra,
and Laci for their care of Linda
in her final weeks.

A special thank you for the
whole hearted support of our
neighbors who donated much
time, food, emotional sup-
port and most of all, love to
Linda: Ellie, Cassie and her
boys, Joanne and Tom, Mary,
Kathyanne, Terri, Bob and Ellie.