Arden Smutzler, 77

March 26, 1942 —
Feb. 5, 2020
 
CRESCO - Arden Smutzler, 77, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 at Accura Healthcare in Cresco.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 at First Lutheran Church in Cresco. Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020 at the church and again one hour prior to services on Monday morning. 
Arden Philip Smutzler was born March 26, 1942 to George and Velma (Graham) Smutzler in Rugby, N.D.. He graduated high school from Grand Forks Central and went on to college and graduated from the University of North Dakota in teaching.
On Aug. 26, 1962 Arden married the love of his life, Sharon Ehley and they welcomed three children; Cully, David and Susan.
Arden served as a medic in the United States Army which led him to his passion of helping others. He was an EMT-I in Rushford, Minn. and Cresco for over 20 years. Arden’s teaching career of 35 years took him to Panaca, Nev.; Sunnyside, Wash.; Linton, N. D.; Sleepy Eye, Minn.; Rushford, Minn. and Cresco.  He taught high school government, history and civics classes.
Arden absolutely loved sports and coaching. He was lucky enough to coach football, baseball, wrestling and track. He was the announcer at local sporting events and could be seen running the clock at every home football game. 
He was very involved and helped in whatever he could. He was a volunteer with the American Red Cross, served on the church council in Sleepy Eye and was an American Legion Commander in Rushford. He was always busy but never too busy to spend time with his family. He never missed a concert, dance event or graduation of any of his six granddaughters. He was their biggest and loudest fan.
He loved Minnesota sports and attended many Vikings, Twins and Gopher games with his sons and if he wasn’t at the game, he was watching them at home.
Arden had a larger than life personality and a heart of gold. He would do anything for anyone and will be missed. 
Survivors include his wife, Sharon of Cresco, three children; Cully Smutzler of Burnsville, Minn.; David (Kelli) Smutzler of Decorah; Susan (Adam) Ollendieck of Raeford, N.C.; six granddaughters; Emma Smutzler, Alexis (Parker) Benjamin, Paige Smutzler, Tristin (Ryan Taylor) Ollendieck, Morgan Ollendieck, Cassidy Ollendieck and one great-granddaughter, Huntleigh Taylor.
Arden is preceded in death by his parents, George and Velma Smutzler.

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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