Marlin Dean Smith was born March 17, 1951, in Fairmont, the son of Lowell and Helen (Rademaker) Smith. Growing up, he attended school in East Chain and graduated from East Chain High School.

Marlin was united in marriage to Katherine Koenecke. Marlin and Kathy were married for over 50 years and had three children: Kim, Todd and Jeff. Marlin was a welder and truck driver by trade. He had a strong work ethic and often worked two jobs. He enjoyed being outdoors and took pride in his lawn. He loved to watch westerns, especially ‘Gunsmoke’ which the kids often joked he was watching the latest episodes. This time was spent with his trusted companions Andy and Sparky by his side. Marlin most treasured time with his family and he had a special bond with his grand-nephews, David and Beckett Koenecke, and most recent his grand-niece, Jade Koenecke, that he commented he couldn’t wait to see. Marlin will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. “A limb has fallen from our family tree that says grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter and the song, and most of all the good life I lived while I was strong.” Left to cherish his memory include his wife, Kathy Smith of Fairmont; daughter, Kim (Elver) Niebuhr of New Ulm, Minn.; sons, Todd and Jeff Smith, both of Fairmont; brothers, Steve (Nancy) Smith of Blue Earth, Minn. and Greg “Shorty” Smith of Blue Earth; sisters, Jeanne (Brian) Schofield of Fairmont, Pam (Jim) Tonn of Winnebago, Minn., Diane Smith of St. Peter, Minn., and Wendy (Steve) Brown of Blue Earth; sister-in-law, Wanda Smith of Blue Earth; brothers-in-law, Randy (Lisa) Koenecke of Welcome, Minn., and Gary “Bim” Koenecke of Welcome; sister-in-law, Vicki (Jim) Whitehead of Sherburn, Minn.; dogs, Andy and Sparky; and other extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, Marlin was preceded in death by his brothers, Harlan Smith and David “Toots” Smith; and brother-in-law, Thomas “Sam” Koenecke. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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