Alice E. Smuda

Alice Elizabeth Smuda, 93, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, service, and devotion to family, faith, and community. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Little Falls with Rev. Steven Rye officiating. Burial will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Caring for Alice and her family is the LeMieur Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN. Alice was born on April 30, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Arthur and Gladys (Lough) Dittrich. Following her graduation from high school, she began her working career with Intercoastal Paint. Throughout her life, Alice enjoyed a variety of jobs and took pride in every role she held. On September 17, 1955, Alice married the love of her life, Bennedict "Ben" Smuda. Together they shared 59 years of marriage, building a life grounded in love, partnership, and dedication to one another until Ben's passing on February 11, 2015. Alice later worked alongside Ben at the Exxon Service Station in Maryland, where the couple shared not only their marriage but also a strong work ethic and commitment to serving others. After Ben's retirement, Alice and Ben moved to Minnesota to live with Ben's sister, Alvina. There, they helped care for what remained of the beloved Smuda's Zoo, preserving family memories and maintaining a connection to a place that had brought joy to generations of visitors. Alice found a second home at the Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum in Little Falls, where she served as a Museum Assistant for more than 18 years, beginning in July 1999 and retiring in March 2017. She warmly greeted visitors, conducted historical research, and processed probate files within the museum's collection. Alice loved her work at the museum so much that she continued volunteering there long after her retirement. The Smuda family shared a deep connection to the Weyerhaeuser Museum. Smuda's Zoo once operated directly across the street, and the family originally sold the land on which the museum now stands. A faithful member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Alice volunteered whenever she could and quietly served others with compassion and generosity. Her faith guided her life, and she found great joy in helping those around her. Alice will be remembered for her gentle spirit, warm smile, and caring heart. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcome and valued. Her kindness, patience, and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her. Whether through a thoughtful gesture, a helping hand, or simply spending time with others, Alice made a lasting impact on countless lives. Alice is survived by her sisters, Esther Treadway and Vanda Gary; many nieces and nephews; and many special friends, who were blessed by her friendship. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bennedict Smuda; sister-in-law, Alvina Smuda; sister, Betty Williams; brother, Duane Dittrich; and her parents, Arthur and Gladys Dittrich Alice's life was a testament to kindness, faith, hard work, and service. She leaves behind treasured memories and an example of a life well lived. Her gentle presence will be deeply missed, but the love she shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. "Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they shared, the love they gave, and the memories we hold dear."

Tributes

Alice E. Smuda

April 30, 1933 - June 15, 2026