Charlotte Marcia Smit

A life rich with faith and purpose came to a peaceful close as Charlotte Marcia Smit, 87, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 10, 2025. Born on June 20, 1938, as her dad delivered her, Charlotte became the second of Harlan and Mercedes (Knudson) Jensen’s six children. Known to many as Char, she grew up on the family farm east of Wakonda. Attending school in Wakonda, she was active as a cheerleader for all sports from 8th grade through her senior year. She played clarinet, piano and organ – having the opportunity to take lessons in Vermillion. Following high school graduation in 1956, she pursued her love of education at General Beadle State Teachers College in Madison, SD, graduating in 1958. She began her career by shaping young minds as a first-grade teacher in Madison for two years; followed by a year teaching at a Country School. Char met the love of her life, Eldon Smit, at Swan Lake one summer night and on June 4, 1960, they were married in the Wakonda Baptist Church, beginning a legendary 65-year journey as “Char and Eldy”, the beloved couple known to so many family and friends. Together, they built not only a home and a farming operation, but a beautiful example of what unwavering commitment looks like. For 40 years they milked Holstein cows, weathering life’s storms – including a literal one in on June 12, 1977, when lightning struck their stanchion barn and burned it down. In true Char and Eldy fashion, they rebuilt a new, modern parlor with the strength of their faith and the support of their caring community. Together, they raised two sons, Steven and Philip, who in turn blessed her with the role of grandmother. Char’s pride and joy were her grandchildren and she and Eldy traveled to California for many years to spend time with their family there. And they rarely missed a ballgame or concert of their grandchildren at home. Char was a dedicated member of Delaware Reformed Church, where she served in many capacities from teaching Sunday School, Youth Group, VBS, Women’s Bible Study, serving groups and singing in the choir for many years. She was one of the foundation of women leaders in the church, having devoted so much of her life to the church. Char had a true servant’s heart – she opened her home and arms to many over the years. She was a caregiver to elderly neighbors and a source of guidance and comfort to children and young families when they needed it most. Char was gifted in many ways, but she was an especially outstanding cook – her recipes will be among the most handed down treasures for generations. She took great pride and care of her flowers and landscaping as well. Char was a lifelong learner whose voracious reading and curiosity kept her informed and a great conversationalist, always showing interest in people and remembering special details about their lives. Through every chapter, including her courageous journey with cancer, Char exemplified a life deeply rooted in faith, family and resilience. Char leaves behind a legacy not measured by titles or accolades, but by the lives she touched. Grateful for sharing her life is her devoted husband, Eldy. Oldest son Steven (Margarita) Smit and his children Matthew Smit; and Kristen (Devan) Liles with great-grandson Jett Liles; Youngest son Philip and his children MiKayla Smit, Kaleb (Elizabeth) Smit, Mariah Smit and Gavin Gibney. She is also survived by all of her siblings: Gordon Jensen, Norma DeJong, Paul Jensen, Carol Nelson and Warren (Sue) Jensen. Char was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, brothers-in-law Wayne DeJong, Sonny Nelson and sister-in-law Nadine Jensen.

Charlotte Marcia Smit

June 20, 1938 - August 10, 2025

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