Dana K. Smith

White Bear Lake, MN — Dana Kay Smith passed away peacefully in her home in White Bear Lake, MN on July 23, 2024, at age 73. She drew her last breath as the Northern Cardinal sang on her favorite bird clock. She was surrounded by her immediate family: her husband of 44 years, Ron (Damon) Lansverk, daughter Eryn Lansverk, plus three loving dogs and cat Meiko. 

She passed from pancreatic cancer, which she fought the last 10 months and died without pain and at peace. She loved nature, the trails of the Little Belt Mountains of MT, being a mother, author, attorney and supporter of her communities and friends. 

Dana was a native of Great Falls, MT, and daughter of Richard (Monty) and Dorothy (Dot) Smith who both preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister Monta Bell (Jack) of Billings, brother Richard of Brook Park, MN and twin sister Darcy (Rick) Greene of Peoria, AZ plus many extended family members and friends in Minnesota, Montana, Washington, and Arizonia.

 A graduate of Great Falls High School, Dana received a BA in Journalism from The University of Montana and a JD from the University of Montana Law School. She successfully practiced law for over 44 years. She was an avid skier, and a member of the Great Falls, Kings Hill/ Showdown National Ski Patrol in Neihart, MT and Nordic Ski Patrol in Minnesota. She and Ron relocated to Saint Paul in 1985, Dana as General Counsel for IFG Leasing before beginning a 22-year career in the Legal Department for the St. Paul AgriBank.

In 1982 Dana and Ron purchased a ski cabin in Neihart, MT. After both Dana and Ron had retired, in 2018, they sold their Neihart cabin and purchased another towards Monarch with more acreage and a “much better view” where they spent about 6 months of the year. Dana was active in both her home communities: in White Bear Lake at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, and her local book club, in Neihart she was an active volunteer for Neihart-Monarch Senior Center where she served breakfast on Sundays and was active for 6 years for the Neihart Inconvenience Store Co-op of Neihart, serving on the non-profit’s board as Secretary for six years and in organizing the group’s annual Labor Day fundraising event and raffle to fund the store. She often referred to her female friends in the area as the “Neihart Mafia” as they worked as such a team to support the community which she cherished.

Services will be held Friday, August 16, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church (900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN) with visitation at 10 a.m., Celebration of Life at 11, inurnment immediately following and reception/lunch at 12 noon. Pastors Carol Lundell and Brian Norsman will officiate. 

A second Celebration will be held in Neihart, MT mid-September at a day and place to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana K Smith Memorial Garden near Monarch, MT, sent to 1363 Birchcrest Drive, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or by using this link; https://venmo.com/u/DanaKSmithMemorialGarden

Dana lived her life to the fullest by her favorite sentiment…

“I will delight in each day of life.” - Dana K Smith 1995

Dana Smith Service at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church Livestream