Clarence Smith

Clarence (Pete) Howard Smith, 81, of Philbrook MN, unexpectedly passed away on May 24, 2026.

Pete was born November 16, 1944 to Edward Alan Smith and Lois Eleanor Smith in Philbrook, MN. He was one of twelve children Eleanor, Jim (Eileen), Jack (Dixie), Mary, Boone, LeRoy (Shirley), Sandy (Kenny), Hank (Cindy) and had many beloved nieces and nephews. Pete cherished his large family deeply.

On August 29, 1964 Pete married Delores (Susie) Berger and together they had five children: Leonard, Paul (Michelle), Connie (Jeff) Bello, Stacy Beckner, and Carol (Derrick) Longworth.

Pete started his career working for Burlington Northern in 1960, during his travels he met the love of his life, Susie Berger in New Salem, North Dakota. He also had a passion for trucking, farming, and hunting. He and Susie enjoyed many years traveling across the Midwest, their life on the farm and spending time with their children and grandchildren. There wasn’t a road, a truck stop or gas station that Pete had not traveled down or visited along the way.

Pete was the proud grandfather of fifteen grandchildren and twenty-three great grandchildren. All of whom brought immense joy to his life and carried forward his legacy of love, strength, and family commitment.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lois Smith and Edward and Ethel Smith; wife Susie, sister Jeanne Brown and infant sister Edna Mae; brother Larry Kutzler, brothers-in-law George Webster, Duane Dukowitz, and Dewy Killian.

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, May 30, at 11:00 a.m. at Motley Free Methodist Church, visitation with be one hour prior to service. Burial will follow at the Philbrook cemetery after a short luncheon.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.