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Lee Smutzler

Feb 19, 2022

Lee E. Smutzler spent

the first 55 years of his

life in North Dakota and

the remainder in Colville

WA. He was raised by his

loving grandparents in

Rugby ND and enjoyed

the many opportunities

that rural life afforded,

which led to a life-long

love of hunting, fishing

and sports (he was an

awesome pitcher). He and

his wife, Lois, cultivated

many friendships over the

65 years of their marriage.

Lee knew a thing or two

about how to deliver a

good joke, and he was an

extraordinary listener.

He devoted his profes-

sional career to directing

mental health services at

county and state-wide lev-

els. While in North Dako-

ta, he served as the Execu-

tive Director of Badlands

Human Service Center,

followed by the position

of Assistant Director for

the State Department of

Human Services in Bis-

marck. He cared deeply

for clients and staff, and

helped to develop and

deliver many high-quality

services over the years.

Lee was both a gentle

man and a gentleman.

He was deeply loved by

his wife, his children

(Dirk and Natalie), their

spouses (Leanne and

Tim), his grandchildren

(Jordan, Misty, Sydney,

and Tess), and great-

grandchildren (Liam and

Serenity). He suffered

very personal losses over

the years, including the

death of his oldest son,

Tim, and his grand-

daughter, Kyra.

To honor Lee, contribu-

tions can be sent to Kyra

Cares at https://therewith

care.org/our-work/family-

inspired-programs/kyra-

cares/