Doris Smestad

Doris Jane Jantz-Smestad, 95, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of music, creativity, and profound devotion to her family.

Born on September 20, 1930, in Benedict, North Dakota, Doris was the eldest of ten children. She carried that spirit of leadership and care throughout her long and fulfilling life. A dedicated professional, Doris found great joy in her career as a beauty consultant, a role that allowed her to connect with people and share her vibrant spirit.

Doris was a woman of many talents. A self-taught organist, she shared her musical gifts generously, playing for the weddings of her siblings and serving faithfully in her church choir. Her home was often filled with the sounds of her playing both the piano and organ, and her love for music remained a constant thread throughout her life. Beyond music, she was an accomplished craftswoman-skilled in sewing, knitting, cross-stitching, and crocheting. She particularly cherished the time she spent creating ceramics with her dear best friend, Dorothy Kruz.

When she wasn't creating, Doris could be found in her garden. She had a true passion for flowers, finding peace and beauty in cultivating the earth. More than anything, however, she loved her family. She treasured every moment spent together, especially during family picnics and gatherings. As the matriarch of a large and loving family, she took immense pride in the lives and accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, August Jantz and Helen Filler Jantz-Krueger; her beloved husband, Lyle Ervin Smestad; her special friend and companion, Don Ray; and her sisters, Jean Davis and Lois Brevig.

She is survived by her five children: Daryl Smestad, Colleen Peterson (Ken), Steven Smestad (Patty), Kimberlee Smestad (Frank), and Michael Smestad (Kenny). She also leaves behind a beautiful, multi-generational legacy, including her siblings: Lloyd Krueger, Ken Krueger, Mary Smestad, Lyle Krueger, Norman Krueger, Sandra Murphy, and Candis Zietz; her grandchildren: Rachael Peterson Coleman (Russell), Angela Peterson, Justin Peterson (Christina), and Makenna Smestad; her nine great-grandchildren: Bryce Poynter, Kaylee Poynter, Ethan Coleman, Jonah Coleman, Cadence Coleman, Nolan Peterson, Tanner Peterson, Gannon Peterson, and Skyler Smestad; and her great-great-grandchild, Makai Coleman.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on July 16, 2026, at Werness Brothers Chapel, Bloomington, MN. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, with the service to follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in Doris's name.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 869 St. James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445, 843-553-1511.