Alvina J. Smuda

Alvina J. Smuda, 90 year old resident of Little Falls, MN, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls, MN with Father Ben Kociemba officiating. Burial will be at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Cemetery in Little Falls. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Caring for Alvina and her family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Alvina Smuda was born on June 13, 1933 in Little Falls, MN to the late Thomas Smuda and Leatha (Starkey) Smuda. She was raised in Little Falls by her grandparents, Peter and Tillie (Lisinski) Smuda. When they passed away Frank and Louise Smuda, Alvina’s aunt and uncle took over her care at the age of 10. Alvina attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. She graduated from school in the 8th grade and stayed home to work on the farm. One summer in 1965, her uncle Frank, her brother Ben and his wife Alice took Alvina to visit Bambiland in Brainerd MN. Alvina wanted to buy a pet deer. Her uncle said, “No, it costs too much.” Alvina cried all the way home and wouldn’t talk to anyone. The next day they all pooled their money and went back to buy two European deer. They showed people the deer and someone told them they should start a zoo. Starting in 1966, Louise and Frank purchased other animals and started Smuda’s Zoo on 27 acres along Pike Creek on the west side of Little Falls. Alvina was always helping run the zoo, doing chores, helping visitors and taking care of the animals all year round. Alvina shared her passion and love for animals with numerous families and children around Morrison County. She also enjoyed making crafts to sell at the zoo store. The deer held a special place in Alvina’s heart, but another animal got special attention in the house, Gretchen the lioness. Gretchen lived in the house until she was 80 pounds then was moved outside. Gretchen wasn't the only animal in the house. Monkey’s, birds and cats were all welcome. Alvina continued to stay active with the zoo until it closed in 1991. She also worked at the Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum. Her brother Ben and his wife Alice moved back to Little Falls in 1997 to spend time with Alvina. They enjoyed many peaceful days observing wildlife. Alvina enjoyed telling stories about the zoo, getting a good laugh by telling a joke and poking a little fun at others. A highlight of her day would be when a neighbor stopped by to talk. After Ben passed, Alvina enjoyed going with Alice to volunteer at Bethel Lutheran Church with garage sales and bulletin folding. Alvina is survived by her sister-in-law, Alice Smuda, several cousins and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ben Smuda; parents, grandparents, uncle, Frank Smuda; aunts, Louise Smuda, Frances Smuda; great-aunt, Pauline Smuda.

Tributes

Alvina J. Smuda

June 13, 1933 - April 3, 2024