Lee Smutzler
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/