Maxine Faye Smedshammer

Maxine Smedshammer passed away on January 21, 2026 at age 81. She will be deeply missed by her sons, Brett (Jodi) and Kyle (Carrie) Ohnstad; sister Elaine (Jim) Hilscher and many nieces & nephews. Preceded in death by parents Martin & Esther and brothers Delmar & Curtis.

Max grew up on her family’s farm in rural North Dakota where she started school in a one room school house. Max went on to graduate from NDSU in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in social work and was employed by Ramsey County as a child protection social worker for over 40 years. She served as a board member of Community Partners with Youth and she was a dedicated and active member of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church.

Max was a loyal NDSU Bison fan. One of her favorite things to do was watch Bison football at local gathering places with her many friends, pass out chocolates and talk about the game. Every year she would look forward to attending the Minnesota State Fair. She was incredibly proud of her Norwegian heritage and also loved her local Mounds View community where she raised her boys with their father Leo and resided there from 1971 until the time of her passing.

She will be remembered for her spunk, independence and generous service to her family, friends and all those around her.

Visitation will begin at 10am followed by service at 11am on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 8211 Red Oak Dr., Mounds View. Private interment in Litchville, North Dakota. Memorials preferred to the family.

The service may be viewed on Abiding Savior Lutheran Church's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@abidingsaviorlc8211