Anthony Smits

Anthony J. Smits, age 92 of Faribault, died surrounded by his family, Friday, September 27, 2013 at St. Lucas Nursing Home in Faribault, following an extended illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault with Fr. Erik Lundgren, officiating. Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault, on Tuesday from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to services.

The family prefers that memorials be directed to the Faribault Area Hospice.

Anthony Johannes Smits the son of Jan and Caroline (Peters) Smits, was born on January 31, 1921 in Beuningen, Holland. On February 10, 1953, he was united in marriage to Maria P. (Loeffen) Smits in Ewyk, Holland. In March of 1953 the couple immigrated to the United States and settled in the Faribault area and began farming. Tony was a very hard worker and was proud of his Dutch heritage. Tony also worked full-time for 21 years at McQuays, Inc. Tony was a member of the Divine Mercy Catholic Church and also of the Knights of Columbus Council 889 in Faribault.

He is survived by his wife Maria and their six children, John and Deb Smits, Willie Bice, Gerry Smits and special friend Janet , Caroline & Dale Tatge, Netta & Pete Wegner, and Henry Smits; by 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and 3 sisters, Wilhelmien and Thijs Lamers, Elizabeth and Jan Verploegen, Hent and Nellie Smits, Caroline and Bernard Loeffen. His brother-in-laws Koos Verbiesen, Jan Schreven and sister-in-law Gerda Loeffen-Klaasen.