Charles "Charlie" Smerker

Charles W. Smerker, 93, of Great Falls, died of natural causes at the local hospital on Monday January 9, 2017.The funeral service for Charlie will be held Monday, January 16, 2017 at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel at 2:00 p.m., visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery followed by a celebration of his life at VFW 1087, 4123 10th Ave S. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.The fifth of seven children of Frank and Agnes (Michick) Smerker, Charlie was born on March 11, 1923 at the family homestead just northeast of Belt. He was raised and educated through the eighth grade at a one room country school. Charlie was a cowboy at the Willow Creek Ranch prior to entering the Army in March of 1943. During his service in the European Theater, he served as a truck driver and later as an interpreter for the purpose of interrogating prisoners of war. Sergeant Smerker was honorably discharged in April of 1946.In 1961, he married Ruby Stensrud. They later divorced. In the mid 90s Charlie met the love of his life and soulmate, Marianne Dezaiffe. She died November 10, 2004.Drafting this obituary presented some challenges for the writer, as Charlie truly was a Jack of all trades. During his life time he made a living with enthusiasm and was successful as a heavy equipment mechanic, cattle man, restaurant owner, cook, dance instructor, egg producer and even as Santa Claus at the Paris of Montana. The one job and business that he enjoyed most though, was when he developed Sure Water Well Drilling. He was the diviner, rig operator/owner and best of all he got to work with his beloved brother, Frank, and favorite nephew, Dennis.Charlie worked hard and played even harder. He had a great sense of humor and infectious laugh. In his younger days, Charlie was a boxer; he loved to bowl, drove a Buick convertible and went out dancing every Friday and Saturday night. Many nights he cut a rug with the ladies at the Croatian Club, J-T, H&J and the West Side Vets. When Charlie was 90, he managed to shake a leg at his birthday party and as usual the ladies were lining up to get their turn.Survivors include sons Frank Shorty (Brandy) Smerker of Great Falls, Darren Peewee Smerker of Missoula, Mike Johnston of Reno, NV and special son Lenard Dezaiffe of Great Falls; eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jack, Frank, Matt, Victor and Lawrence; sister Josephine Darko; son Charles; daughter Janet Charlson; granddaughter Amanda; nephews David, Dennis, Joe and Ron; nieces Kathy and Deva; and his very best friend in a fur coat, Princess.Special thanks to Laura and Easter Seals for taking such good care of Charlie.