Vicki Lynn Smith

Vicki Lynn (Kangas) Smith, age 70, of rural Osage, MN passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in her home in the presence of family.

Vicki was born on February 23, 1956, to Wilho and Ellen (Yoki) Kangas in Detroit Lakes, MN. She attended 2 country schools near her home through the 4th grade and then went on to graduate from Frazee High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Danny Smith July 10, 1976, at the Spruce Grove Apostolic Lutheran Church. They lived in Danny’s childhood home until building their dream log home across from where Vicki grew up in Osage, MN; moving into this new home in 2006. Vicki and Danny raised three children during their life together. Vicki worked many years in human services agencies, both in Becker County and Hubbard County, being the kind face and helper of those in need.

Vicki was a loving wife, mother and grandmother with the ability to be a “tough lil lady” when needed. She is remembered as protective, brave and strong in addition to her ever-present caring heart filled with immense love for her family and others. Vicki and Danny were a team like no other and always found a common ground when faced with adversity. They achieved their dream of a log home through hard work and perseverance as they built the home from start to finish as a family over the course of a couple of years while both working full time jobs. Every spring Vicki looked forward to planting flowers and tending to them over the course of the summer in addition to enjoying her hummingbirds and visiting swans in the pond. She enjoyed time with her grandchildren finding joy in watching them grow. She enjoyed puzzles and would often have a couple of them in progress at a time. She always made time for her children and would be there if they needed her; even when they didn’t ask.

Vicki is survived by her husband Danny Smith; their three children: Robyn (Adrian) Amiotte of Brookings, SD, Chad Smith of Frazee, MN, and Matthew Smith of Frazee, MN; their nine grandchildren; two brothers: Daniel (Kay) Kangas of Osage, MN and Peter (Sharon) Kangas of Duluth, MN; three sisters: Deanna Kivi of Eagan, MN, Bonnie (Lorin) Bradbury of Bethel, AK, and Pamela (Jeff) Rengo of Cromwell, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father Wilho Kangas and mother Ellen (Hubert) Korpi; sister Jane Ross; brother Michael Kangas; granddaughter Breleigh Amiotte and ever loyal companions Barbie and Splash.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11am on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Pickeral Lake Apostolic Lutheran Church near Wolf Lake, MN with James Yliniemi officiating.