Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Victor Obituaries

About Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Victor

Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 808 Fourth Street, Victor, IA, 52347, has been a pillar of the community for many years, providing compassionate and professional funeral services to families in their time of need. The funeral home is dedicated to helping families create meaningful and personalized tributes to their loved ones, while also providing support and guidance throughout the grieving process.

A History of Excellence

Smith Funeral Home and Crematory has a rich history in the Victor community, with roots dating back many years. Over the years, the funeral home has built a reputation for excellence, earning the trust of families through its commitment to quality, compassion, and integrity. The funeral home's experienced staff is dedicated to upholding this legacy, providing exceptional service to every family they serve.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Richard Paul Cochran - December 23, 1937 - May 15, 2024

Departed: 05/15/2024 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Richard Paul Cochran, 86, of Ladora, IA passed from this earth to the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on May 15, 2024 doing what he loved, tilling the soil.

Richard was born on December 23, 1937 in Redfield, IA to Ralph and Florence (Martin) Cochran. He was the youngest of 5 children, with 3 brothers and 1 sister. He grew up in Redfield and graduated with the Redfield High School class of 1955. He then attended William Penn College in Oskaloosa, IA.

While in college he worked at the skating rink where he met his future wife, Joyce. They were married on September 12, 1956 at the Lacey Methodist Church.

Richard worked as a hired man in rural Oskaloosa until January 1966. At that time, he moved his family to Ladora and began his farming career. He and Joyce maintained the farm and in 1974 they built the cattle confinement that is still in operation today, I-80 Custom Feed Lot. He was passionate about feeding cattle and that led him to become president of the Iowa County Cattlemen Association and was also the Director of the State Cattlemen’s Board.

The 4th of July parades were the highlight of his year with his 3 antique tractors, often convincing his grandchildren to ride with him and throw candy.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce of 68 years; his children, RaeJean (Tim) Hollopeter of Ladora, IA Connie (Doug) Mertens of Hartwick, IA and Michael Cochran of Joliet, IL; his sister, Beverly Stogdill of Des Moines; 8 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; numerous friends, fellow farmers, and his right-hand man, Jim Patterson of Belle Plaine, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

Dick’s greatest passion in life was talking about cattle and farming.

His family would like to thank Iowa County EMS, Victor Frist Responders and neighbors for completing the spring planting.

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Nancy A. Wilcox - August 30, 1955 - April 07, 2024

Departed: 04/07/2024 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Nancy A. Wilcox, 68, of Victor, IA passed away April 7, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA.

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Daniel Shawn De Rycke - June 16, 1963 - March 08, 2024

Departed: 03/08/2024 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Daniel Shawn De Rycke, 60, of Victor, IA, passed away on March 8, 2024, at Compass Memorial Hospital, Marengo, IA.

A Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, Victor, IA with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 13, at Smith Funeral Home, Victor, IA, with a Rosary Service at 3:00 PM.

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Richard Arduser - February 17, 1944 - March 02, 2024

Departed: 03/02/2024 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Richard Arduser, 80, of Ladora, Iowa, died on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A celebration of life, remembering Richard Arduser, Janet Arduser, and Marcia Kellenberger, will begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Sailboat Shelter #1 at Lake Macbride State Park, 3525 Highway 382 NE, Solon, Iowa 52333.

Richard is survived by his son, Marc (Kim) Arduser of Iowa City; one granddaughter, Ashley (Jake Vance) Kellenberger; three grandsons, Lucas and Andrew Kellenberger, and David Huth; great-grandson, Axle Vance; and his brother, Wendall (Karen) Arduser.

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Richard Dean Huedepohl - September 02, 1937 - February 25, 2024

Departed: 02/25/2024 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Richard Dean Huedepohl was born on September 2, 1937 to Edmund and Lydia Huedepohl.

Richard was the youngest of 3 brothers, George, the oldest, and Donald, the middle child. Richard graduated from BGM High School. After graduating from high school, Richard was stationed in Omaha, Nebraska with the army for a few years. Following his years in the army,

Richard farmed the family farm with his dad and his brother Don.

Richard married Esther M. Bizek, the love of his life and they married in 1961. They built a life together on the family farm and raised four children: Marcia, Wayne, Steve

and Dwight.

Farming was Richard's passion. He especially loved going to sale barns to buy steers. He loved animals and he talked to them often. He farmed with his brother, Don for over

40 years. After retiring from farming, Richard drove for the University of Iowa Hospital for the next

10 years. He enjoyed his new chapter in life and made many new friends. Throughout his life, Richard valued his faith and instilled the importance of God in his children's lives. He was a founding member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grinnell, Iowa

and was actively involved in his church throughout his life. During the winter months, Richard and Esther enjoyed traveling to Corpus Christi, Texas to spend time with family and friends. Richard loved to meet new people and share stories

about the farm and his job at the U of I Hospital.

Richard loved his wife and children and will be deeply missed by anyone who knew him. Richard is preceded in death by brothers, George and Donald and his sons, Wayne and Dwight. He is survived by Esther, his beloved wife, Marcia (James Plough), Steven

Huedepohl (Amy Gensley) and grandson, Dylan. Visitation will be held at 9:00 am on March 2, 2024 followed by the funeral service at 10:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grinnell, Iowa. Richard will be laid to rest at the Victor Memorial Cemetery following the service. A luncheon will be served at the Victor American

Legion following the service.

Memorials may be designated to Essence of Life Hospice or Immanuel Lutheran Church mailed in c/o of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

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Jesse Earley - January 22, 1981 - December 06, 2023

Departed: 12/06/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Jesse Earley, 42, of Victor, died on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at his home.

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Margaret E. Bair - March 18, 1945 - December 03, 2023

Departed: 12/03/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Margaret E. Bair, 78, passed away at Rose Haven nursing home in Marengo, IA surrounded by family.

A Celebration of life gathering will be held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Smith Funeral Home in Victor, IA.

Memorials may be designated to the family, mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, 808 4th Ave. Victor, IA 52347.

Margaret was born on March 18, 1945 to George and Mary (Kohl) Van Slyke in Cedar Rapids, IA. She was one of eleven siblings.

Margaret was united in marriage to Larry Bair in Brooklyn, IA. The couple raised seven children; Tracie, Sharon, Scottie, Kevin, Allen, Terry and Randy.

She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and dice. She loved elephants, cats and dogs. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Margaret is survived by her husband Larry; her children, Tracie (Dan) Harshman of Hiawatha, IA, Sharon (Kelly) LeVelle of Walker, IA, Scottie Harshman of Des Moines, IA; her step sons, Kevin (Angie) Bair Tama, IA, Allen Bair of Grinnell, IA, Terry Bair of Victor, IA , and Randy Bair of Williamsburg, IA; grandchildren, Derek Bair, Chelsea (Zach) Nanoit, Zach (Maria) Liercke, Morgan LeVelle, Madyson LeVelle, and Austin Harshman; great grandchildren, Daxten, Evelyn, Kayvn, Ollie, and Sullie; her siblings, Cindy Maher, Randie Jones, Bonnie Brodie, Ed Van Slyke, Diane Drievold, Marsha Smith, Debbie Wright; her in-laws, Clarence Jr, Carol, Ronnie, David, Keith, Kenny, Colene, Kathleen, Russ and Dennis.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary; her siblings, Sharon, Patty and Dennis; her sister-in-law, Barb; her mother-in-law, Helen and father-in-law, Clarence.

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Shirley A. McNeish - April 03, 1930 - November 05, 2023

Departed: 11/05/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Shirley McNeish, 93, of Marengo and formerly of Victor, died on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Rose Haven Nursing Home in Marengo.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Highland Cemetery in Mystic, Iowa. The service will be livestreamed on the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory Facebook page.

Memorials may be designated to the Victor Baptist Church or to Rose Haven Nursing Home and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Shirley’s family online at www.smithfh.com.

Shirley Ann Tharp was born the daughter of Pearl A. Tharp and Jessie E. (Mickey) Tharp on April 3, 1930 in Centerville, Iowa. She was raised and educated in Centerville.

Shirley was united in marriage to James McNeish on April 4, 1954 in Centerville and to this union was born their children, James and Trudi. The couple raised their family in Centerville and Hartwick, Iowa respectively and Shirley was a homemaker. Following the death of her husband in 1990, she moved to Victor. She was a longtime member of the Victor Baptist Church.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Trudi McNeish of Marengo; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her son, James McNeish.

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Diane L. Stowell - July 30, 1954 - September 19, 2023

Departed: 09/19/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Diane Louise Jack was born July 30, 1954 in Belle Plaine to Lowell Jack and Phyllis Slaymaker Jack. She was raised in Victor and was a 1972 graduate of HLV High School.

Diane married her high school sweetheart, Daniel Stowell on September 15, 1973. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Danelle, Michelle and Scott.

While raising her children, she had an in-home daycare for over 10 years and was then employed by Heitmann Insurance Services for over 30 years and retired in 2021. She was a very active and well-respected member of the community.

Diane’s greatest treasures were her family and friends. She was known for being a pillar of strength and always displayed optimism and positivity while relying on her strong faith.

Her favorite pastimes were watching her grandkid’s activities and scrapbooking for them. She enjoyed sewing, watching Iowa Hawkeye sports, attending class nights with her former classmates, camping and spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed going on several family weekend getaways and vacations including trips to Riviera Maya, The Ozarks, and cruises to the Bahamas and Alaska.

Diane passed away on September 19, 2023 after a 3 ½ year long and courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Dan, of 50 years; daughter Michelle (Nick) VandeBerg of Amana; son Scott (Heather) Stowell of Victor; five grandchildren Quincie Smith, Raegen Stowell, Kasyn VandeBerg, Anistyn VandeBerg and Keenyn Stowell. Siblings Terry (Vicki) Jack of Williamsburg; Lonnie (Donna) Jack of Victor; Dana (Dean) Rickels of Amana; and Doug (Erika) Jack of Grinnell, Brother-in-law Roger Stowell of Altoona, Aunt Nancy Weisskopf of Ladora; her late daughter’s boyfriend, Chris Jones of Cedar Rapids and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Danelle Stowell in 2021, parents Phyllis Jack and Lowell Jack, brother Randy Jack; mother and father-in-law Milo and Irene Stowell and many other loved ones.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday September 22, 2023 at Smith Funeral Home in Victor.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Smith Funeral Home in Victor.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Stowell family, which will be designated to a memorial in Diane’s honor.

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Edward Joseph Healey - October 31, 1956 - September 02, 2023

Departed: 09/02/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Edward Joseph Healey, 66, of Victor, died on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at University of Iowa Hospital.

Funeral mass has been scheduled for 10:30 AM, Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Victor, burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow the burial at the Victor American Legion Hall. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the Victor American Legion Hall.

Should friends desire, memorials may be designated to the Edward Healey Memorial Fund and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA.

Edward Joseph Healey was born on October 31, 1956, the sixth child of Harry and Lucille Smith Healey. He was raised in Victor and attended HLV Schools graduating with the Class of 1975. Ed was a talented athlete at HLV excelling in football, track, and baseball.

Ed enlisted in the United States Navy in 1975 serving as a machinist mate. Throughout his career he was stationed in San Diego, CA, WI, Jacksonville, FL, and Cuba. After 20 years of honorable service, Ed retired from the Navy in 1996 with the rank of Sr. Chief. Following his career in the Navy, Ed moved back to Victor. He worked at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Iowa City as a Power Plant Operator.

Ed was an outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing, and sitting around a fire pit. He was known for his sense of humor and ability to tell a good story, which he had plenty of. He enjoyed watching the Florida Gators Football team. Above all, he loved his family, especially his grandkids. He enjoyed many trips to Florida to be with his son’s and their families and visiting the beaches.

Ed is survived by his sons, Andrew (Kate) Healey, and Ryan (Jenna) Healey; grandchildren, Grace, James, Max, Paige, Benjamin, and J.J. Healey; siblings, James Healey, Patricia Healey, Carol Vaughn, Steve Healey, and Harry (Rhonda) Healey. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Brooke; and one son, Adam.

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Donald Huedepohl - November 27, 1931 - August 30, 2023

Departed: 08/30/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Donald Huedepohl, 91, of Brooklyn, died on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at Brooklyn Community Estates, Brooklyn, IA.

Funeral Services have been scheduled for 2:00 PM, Friday, September 1, 2023 at St. James Lutheran Church, Victor, IA with burial at Victor Memorial Cemetery. Brooklyn American Legion will provide military honors. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service starting at 1:00 PM on Friday, September 1, 2023. The family invites friends for refreshments and continued fellowship at St. James Lutheran Church following the burial.

Should friends desire, memorials may be designated to the Christian Opportunity Center in Pella or to St. James Lutheran Church in Victor and may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Donald Herman Huedepohl was born November 27, 1931 in a farmhouse northeast of Williamsburg in Iowa County, Iowa to Edmund and Lydia Greif Huedepohl. In 1940, the family moved to a farm south of Brooklyn, Iowa. Don was baptized on December 6, 1931, at his parent’s home. In 1946, Don was confirmed in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Williamsburg. He graduated from BGM High School, Brooklyn, Iowa with the Class of 1950.

On November 25, 1961, he was united in marriage to Ruth Werning at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Newhall and to this union was born one daughter, Carolyn. The family continued to operate a grain and livestock farm near Brooklyn until Don’s retirement in 2009.

Don was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Victor. He was a member of Farm Bureau and the Brooklyn American Legion Post 294. Don enjoyed his life as a farmer and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Don is survived by his brother Richard (Esther) Huedepohl of Brooklyn, IA; three brothers-in-law, Alfred Karsten of Marengo, IA, Wilfred (Doris) Werning of Van Horne, IA, Vernon (Tammy) Werning of Newhall, IA; two sisters-in-law, Pat Werning of Cedar Rapids, and Bonnie Werning of Shellsburg, IA; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth (2016), daughter Carolyn (2020), and one brother, George Huedepohl and two nephews, Dwight and Wayne Huedepohl.

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Marie Schultz - August 12, 1930 - August 14, 2023

Departed: 08/14/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Marie Schultz, 93, of Victor, died on Monday, August 14, 2023, at Rose Haven Care Center in Marengo.

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Ken Kriegel - March 25, 1965 - July 11, 2023

Departed: 07/11/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Ken Kriegel, 58, of Victor, died at his home on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 surrounded by his children and loving partner under the care of Essence of Life Hospice.

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Pete Bazyn - October 01, 1955 - June 03, 2023

Departed: 06/03/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Pete Bazyn, 67, of Deep River, died on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

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Debra Siefkas - February 07, 1955 - May 28, 2023

Departed: 05/28/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Debra Rae LeGault Siefkas, 68, of Victor, IA and formerly of Las Animas, CO, died on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at her home surrounded by family, under care of Essence of Life Hospice.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Victor Memorial Cemetery, Victor, IA. Luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions may be designated to Compass Memorial Hospital, and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Debra aka Debbie, Deb, Dee, or Mama Dee, was born on February 7, 1955, to Raymond and Virlee Slade LeGault in Denver, CO. She was raised in Englewood, CO where she attended grade school, and moved to Conifer, CO. She attended Evergreen High School and later received her G.E.D.

On May 20, 1978, Debbie married Kerry Siefkas in Lakewood, CO. To this union, they were blessed or cursed with three children, Charity(C1), Cassy(C2), & Chauncey(C3). Debbie and Kerry started farming in Elizabeth, CO. They eventually moved their family and farming operation to Las Animas, CO. Debbie was a homemaker for the most part as well as doing a number of other jobs from feeding calves, bookkeeping, teachers aid, cashier, etc.

Debbie very much enjoyed spending time with her grandkids. She enjoyed many years with her beloved dog Boo. She loved crafting and as crafters do, she dabbled in a little bit of everything, but her most favorite one was crocheting blankets. Debbie spent a lot of time and love on her family history and genealogy on both her mom and dad’s side. She loved playing Phase 10 or Mexican Train Dominoes at family gatherings. She also enjoyed the few hummingbirds back home as well as Charlie the roadrunner. She has always had a love for computer games and most recently, games on her cellphone. She loved watching Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, Dr. Quinn, Survivor, and numerous reality shows.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Kerry, of Victor, IA; her children, Charity (Andy) Wold, of Leland, IL, Cassy (Brent) Rhinehart, of Victor, IA, and Chauncey (Heather Cullup) Siefkas, of Nunn, CO; grandchildren, Connor Rhinehart, and Laynie and Dylan Wold; one sister, Tami (Bill) Smiley, sister-in-law, Linda Yates, and various nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Jim Yates, and Sandy Stogsdill and Sandy’s husband Terry as well as her beloved dog Boo.

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Frederick Edward Rhoads - May 20, 1954 - May 16, 2023

Departed: 05/16/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Frederick Edward Rhoads, 68, of Victor, IA, passed away at his home in Victor, IA on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

Fred was born on May 20, 1954, in Ottumwa, IA, the son of Kenneth E. and May E. (Ruud) Rhoads.

Fred was raised in Ottumwa and graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1973. On May 13, 1981 Fred was united in marriage to Vicki Kay Hewitt in Williamsburg, IA. The couple lived in Williamsburg and later moved to Victor, IA. Fred worked for Amana Refrigeration for many years and later he was involved in commercial food service in the area until he became disabled and could no longer work.

Fred enjoyed living in Iowa and with his wife Vicki, and they had special places they visited often. Fred loved to chat with people he would meet and could be inspired to create drawings he would post on Facebook. Fred enjoyed music by the Eagles, John Mellencamp, and other classic rock artists. Fred would use his tablet to explore the internet for those things that fascinated him and to stay up on current events.

He is survived by his brothers Brad Rhoads of Idaho, Randy (Brenda) Rhoads of Arizona, and Rick Rhoads of Iowa. Fred is also survived by his very special cousin, Brenda Jackson of Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Vicki, a sister-in-law Brenda, and his youngest brother Kim Rhoads.

Per Fred’s wishes, he has been cremated and no services are planned.

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Linda Meeks - February 10, 1944 - April 17, 2023

Departed: 04/17/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Linda Meeks, 79, of Hartwick, died on Monday, April 17, 2023, at Rose Haven Care Center in Marengo.

A private family graveside service will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Hartwick Cemetery in Hartwick. A public reception will be held at the Hartwick Fire Department from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Memorials may be designated to Essence of Life Hospice or to the Hartwick Volunteer Fire Department and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347. Memories and condolences may be shared with Linda’s family online at www.smithfh.com.

Linda Lee Pickering was born the daughter of Leonard and Maurice (England) Pickering on February 10, 1944 in Belle Plaine, Iowa. She was raised on the family farm near Keystone and graduated from Keystone High School with the class of 1962. She attended St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids.

Linda was united in marriage to George William Meeks on December 4, 1965 at the United Methodist Church in Belle Plaine. The couple resided and farmed near Hartwick all of their lives together. Linda was a nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids and later became the director of nursing at the Belle Plaine Nursing Home. She was a member of the Belle Plaine United Methodist Church and was the treasurer for Jefferson Township (Hartwick) for over 30 years.

Time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, meant everything to Linda. Her enjoyments were playing bingo, going to the casino, going on cruises with her family and going out to eat. She will be remembered by her family as a wonderful and loving mother and grandmother, for being kind and gracious, and for having a sweet tooth for cookies and Dt. Pepsi.

Linda is survived by her children, Tami (Emmitt) Mora of Cedar Rapids, Christine Meeks of Keystone, Stacy (Kim) Meeks of Chelsea, and Jason (Jocelyn) Meeks of Chelsea; 4 grandchildren, Jessica Mora of Colorado Springs, CO, Savanah Meeks of Brooklyn, Tanner Meeks of Hartwick, and Chloe Meeks of Iowa City; and her sister, Sandra (Larry) Points of Solon. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Maurice (England) Pickering; and her husband, George Meeks.

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Robert William Murtha - December 31, 1922 - February 13, 2023

Departed: 02/13/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Robert (Bob) Murtha, 100, passed away February 13, 2023 at Brooklyn Community Estates in Brooklyn, Iowa.

A rosary will be held Sunday, February 19 at 4 pm at the Smith Funeral Home in Victor, with the visitation following until 7 pm. A funeral mass will take place at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Victor on Monday, February 20, 10:30 am with burial following at the Victor Cemetery. The family invites everyone to attend a luncheon following at St. Bridget’s.

Bob Murtha was born December 31, 1922 on the family farm in Victor, to parents Louis and Kittie (Moitzfield) Murtha. He was raised in Victor and graduated high school from St. John’s Catholic School. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942 in the V5 Program as a Naval Aviation Cadet. He served in the Flight Training School in Pensacola, Florida from 1943 to 1945, training in (among other planes) the SBD Dauntless dive bomber; he graduated as a Naval Aviator and was discharged after the war in 1945 with the rank of Ensign.

Bob was a flight instructor at the 24-member Victor Flying Club. He worked at Amana Refrigeration in the 1950’s and again 1967-74, supervising production of appliance manuals and other printed materials.

Bob was united in marriage to Leona “Onie” Costello on August 11, 1948. They farmed and raised their five children on the Murtha family farm. Bob was active in the community. He volunteered in various capacities at St. Bridget’s, and achieved Third and Fourth Degrees in the Knights of Columbus. He was Boy Scout Master in Victor, which was a very active club that produced a number of Eagle Scouts. Bob was a dedicated member of the Victor American Legion from the time of his service and throughout his life. He also enjoyed his time in in Toastmasters International.

Bob enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and Onie danced together to Big Band music and attended many sports and music events for their children. He was an avid golfer, and traveled to many places and countries with his wife after their retirement.

Bob is survived by his children, Diane (Rob) Hayes, Connie (Bill) Scovin, Bob (JoAnn) Murtha, Greg (Beth) Murtha, and Chris (Von) Miller, as well as grandchildren Brian and Kevin Hayes; Cecily and Carson Scovin; Amanda Hoerst, Rachel Fenske and Michael Murtha; Emily Murtha; Jennifer Mathers, Jacob and Jillian Miller. Great grandchildren are Mason, Myles and Arden Hayes; Adelaide and Lawrence Fenske; and Charlotte Mathers.

Onie preceded Bob in death in 2004. He also was predeceased by his brothers and sisters Rose York, Daniel Murtha, James Murtha, Hazel Boote and Donna Cochrane.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the attentive and thoughtful care that Bob received at Brooklyn Community Estates.

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Linda L. Davis - September 30, 1946 - January 28, 2023

Departed: 01/28/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Linda L. Davis, 76, of Ladora passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on January 28, 2023, at Compass Memorial Hospital in Marengo, IA.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Smith Funeral Home in Victor from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with the family present from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Memorials may be designated to the Linda Davis Memorial Fund in c/o Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347. Memories and condolences may be shared with Linda’s family online at www.smithfh.com.

Linda was born on September 30, 1946, to Ronald and Mable Williamson in Belle Plaine, IA, and grew up in Hartwick. She graduated from HLV High School with the class of 1964.

Linda and her first husband, LeRoy Bringmann, had two children Butch and LeAnn. They resided in Ladora.

She married her second husband, Bill Davis. They resided in Ladora.

Linda had worked many jobs including working for Benco Manufacturing in Belle Plaine. Linda enjoyed watching westerns, playing Bingo, country style dancing, crocheting, and visiting with friends and family on the computer or outside on the patio in the summer. Her love for horses began at a young age when she started her horse collection which continued throughout her life.

Linda is survived by her children, Butch (Renee) Bringmann, and LeAnn (Chris) Smith; her grandchildren, Samantha (Tyler) Happel, Amber (Grant) Nelson, Jacob (Mickey Reynolds) Bringmann, Josh (Amy) Meeks, and Aimee (Jerry Johnson) Smith, and Justin Smith; her great grandchildren, Malcom, Quinn and Colin Happel, Natalie, and Elisa Nelson, Jackson Meeks, and Danica Essary; and her sister-in-law, Elaine Williamson.

She is predeceased by her parents; husband, Bill Davis; her siblings, Everett Williamson, Donald Williamson, Irene Criswell, and Mary Ann Roth, and her beloved cat, Babe.

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Jeaneva Verdeck - December 03, 1927 - January 24, 2023

Departed: 01/24/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Jeaneva Verdeck, 95, of Brooklyn and formerly of Hartwick, died on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Brooklyn Community Estates.

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Elda Shine - April 17, 1932 - January 07, 2023

Departed: 01/07/2023 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Elda Shine, 90, of Amana and formerly of Victor, died on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Compass Memorial Hospital in Marengo.

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Johnny Edward Slaymaker - November 18, 1936 - December 10, 2022

Departed: 12/10/2022 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Johnny Slaymaker, 86, of Guernsey, died on December 10, 2022, at Brooklyn Community Estate, in Brooklyn.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, at the Guernsey United Methodist Church, with Pastor Doug Dauenbaugh, offciating. Organist will be Milly Purvis. Pallbearers will be Kurt and Loring Heitman, Dave and Doug King, David Slaymaker, and Scott Steffen. Burial with military rites will be in the Ohio Cemetery, south of Ladora.

Visitation with the Slaymaker family present will be held from 1:00 pm.. to 1:30 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contribtutions may be designated to the Guernsey United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Johnny was born November 18, 1936, at the family home in rural Millersburg, to Forrest and Beatrice Coover Slaymaker. His family moved to a farm in rural Guernsey in March of 1943. Johnny lived on the family farm until he graduated from High School. He bought a house in Guernsey shortly after graduation, where he lived until 2019, when he was moved to Brooklyn Community Estate, where he resided until his passing.

Johnny graduated from Guernsey Consolidated School in 1955 and then started working for Amana Refridgeration. He attended classes at Indian Hills Community College, in Ottumwa, on blueprint reading. This enabled him to get the job of Quality Control Inspector in the sheet metal department. He was employed at Amana for 44 years retiring in 1999. After his retirement from Amana, he was employed part-time for Hy-Vee Foods, beginning in 2000 for 18 years.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in November 1958 and served until November 1960. He took basic training at Fort Hood, Texas and served in Germany. He went to Germany by ship and returned by ship, which he was not fond of. He was a tank crew member of the 37th Armor Division.

On December 9, 1967, Johnny was united in marriage to his best friend, Irene Augusta Davis, at St. James Lutheran Church in Victor. They were married for 44 years before Irene passed away January 24, 2012. They enjoyed having friends over to visit and playing cards.

Johnny was a member of the Guernsey United Methodist Church since his childhood.

Immediate family members surviving are seven siblings, Nadean Wandling of Marengo, Gerald (Kris) Slaymaker, Vernon (Joanne) Slaymaker of Ottumwa, Judy (Bob) Howe of Urbandale, Jerry (Reta) Slaymaker, Linda Njamfa of Des Moines, and Steven (Kim) Slaymaker of Belle Plaine; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a very special friend, Bonnie Morton of Guernsey. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; his parents, Beatrice and Forrest; a brother-in-law, Lyle Wandling; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Davis.

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Steve McClenathan - June 06, 1956 - December 04, 2022

Departed: 12/04/2022 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Steve McClenathan, 66, of Victor, died on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at his home under the care of Essence of Life Hospice.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 9, 2022 at Goldenrod Cemetery in Deep River. A reception will follow at the Deep River Community Center.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm on Thursday, December 8th at the Smith Funeral Home in Victor and his family will receive friends from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Memorials may be designated to the Steve McClenathan Memorial Fund and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family online at www.smithfh.com.

Steven Craig McClenathan was born the son of Roy and Darlene (Popejoy) McClenathan on June 6, 1956 in Grinnell, Iowa. He was raised in Deep River and attended Montezuma schools.

Steve was united in marriage to Jacque Lynn Norris on October 12, 1974 at the First Baptist Church in Grinnell. The couple lived in the Deep River area where Steve farmed. They later moved to a farm northwest of Victor. Steve worked at HW Brand as a welder for nearly 30 years, retiring in September of 2021. He had also worked at Grinnell Products.

Steve loved life on the farm. He was a very mechanically gifted and could fix most anything. Not much was going to hold Steve back, even his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. He remained strong and enjoyed each day of life the Lord blessed him with. His enjoyments were collecting toy tractors, camping, working on the boy’s race cars, coyote hunting with Steve Van Hamme and pheasant hunting with the Pennsylvania hunters.

Steve is survived by his wife, Jacque McClenathan of Victor; two sons, Nicholas (Billi Keller) McClenathan of Victor and Eric (Crystal Arens) of Grinnell; four grandchildren, Austin Hanson, Natosha Barnes, Serenity McClenathan, and Lacie McClenathan; two great grandchildren, Jocelyn and K.O. Hanson; and siblings, Rosemary Higgins of Barnes City and Perry McClenathan of Deep River. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Darlene (Popejoy) McClenathan.

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Jeffrey Dean Hawkins - November 13, 1964 - September 17, 2022

Departed: 09/17/2022 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Jeffrey Dean Hawkins, 57, of Ladora died on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA.

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Wilma Nowotny - January 05, 1926 - August 02, 2022

Departed: 08/02/2022 (Victor)

Obituary Preview: Wilma Nowotny, 96, of Murrieta, California and formerly of Victor, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2022.

A private family graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at Victor Memorial Cemetery in Victor. Condolences may be shared with Wilma’s family on the Smith Funeral Home website at www.smithfh.com.

Wilma Ruth (Stone) Nowotny was born on January 5, 1926, in Missoula, Montana. When she was a young child, her parents moved to Eagle Rock, California, where she grew up.

She met Elmer Nowotny when he was working in California. He later enlisted in the Army Air Corp during World War II. They were married on August 7, 1943, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. When the war was over, they moved to Iowa, where they farmed west of Victor, Iowa and raised three children.

Wilma and Elmer took over Carnforth Inn from Elmer’s mother, Agnes in 1968. She was known for her pie baking, for the restaurant, for her wedding and birthday cake baking and decorating, and for her many salad recipes. She was a 4-H leader for many years. Wilma lived her last ten years in Murrieta, California with her oldest daughter Linda Volpone.

Wilma is survived by three children, Linda Valpone of Murrieta, California, Jeanette (Arthur) Betz of Grapeland, Texas, Ray (Rachel) Nowotny of Victor, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Mike, Carrie, Nick, Lynnette, Wendy, John, Rick, and Rob; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Kenny Stone; and many nieces and nephews.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer in 1992; her parents, Stanley and Blossom Stone, in-laws, Wesley and Agnes Nowotny; sisters, Betty and Barbara; and brother, James.

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Funeral Services

Smith Funeral Home and Crematory offers a wide range of funeral services to meet the unique needs of each family. From traditional funerals to cremation services, memorial ceremonies, and celebrations of life, the funeral home's experienced staff will work with you to create a personalized tribute that honors your loved one's memory. They understand that every family is unique, and they strive to provide services that are tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Cremation Options

In addition to traditional funeral services, Smith Funeral Home and Crematory also offers a range of cremation options. Their state-of-the-art crematory is operated by licensed professionals who ensure that every cremation is carried out with dignity and respect. The funeral home offers various cremation packages, including direct cremation, cremation with a memorial service, and cremation with a traditional funeral service.

Pre-Planning Services

Smith Funeral Home and Crematory understands that planning ahead can be a wise decision for many families. That's why they offer pre-planning services, allowing you to make arrangements for your own funeral or that of a loved one in advance. By pre-planning, you can ensure that your wishes are respected, while also relieving your family of the burden of making difficult decisions during a time of grief.

Facilities and Amenities

The facilities at Smith Funeral Home and Crematory are designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for families. The funeral home features a spacious chapel, visitation rooms, and a reception area where families can gather and share memories of their loved one. They also offer ample parking and wheelchair accessibility to ensure that all families can participate in the funeral service.

Community Involvement

Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is deeply committed to the Victor community. They believe in giving back to the community that has supported them over the years, and they are actively involved in various local organizations and charities. The funeral home's staff is also available to provide educational seminars and workshops on topics related to grief support, funeral planning, and end-of-life care.

Grief Support

Losing a loved one can be a devastating experience, and Smith Funeral Home and Crematory understands that grief is a journey that takes time. That's why they offer ongoing grief support to families through their aftercare program. This program provides resources, guidance, and support to help families navigate the grieving process, from the initial days following the loss to the months and years that follow.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the services offered by Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, please don't hesitate to contact them. You can reach them by phone at [phone number], or by visiting their website at [website URL]. Their experienced staff is always available to provide guidance and support during your time of need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and other biographical information. It may also include details about their life, achievements, and surviving family members.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to share the news of a loved one's passing with friends, family, and community. They provide an opportunity to honor the deceased person's life, share memories, and offer condolences to those who are grieving.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, a family member or close friend writes an obituary, often with the assistance of a funeral home or obituary writer. In some cases, the deceased person may have written their own obituary in advance.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include information about their life achievements, military service, or charitable work.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication and the family's preferences. Typically, it ranges from 100 to 500 words. Online obituaries may be longer and more detailed than those published in print.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, usually including only the basic facts such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a more detailed and personalized tribute to the deceased person's life.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many online obituary platforms and newspapers allow you to include one or more photos of the deceased person. This can help to make the obituary more personal and meaningful.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

Contact the newspaper or online platform directly for their submission guidelines and deadlines. Be prepared to provide the necessary information and payment for publication.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication, location, and length of the obituary. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $1,000 or more for print publication.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, many people choose to write their own obituary in advance as a way to ensure that their life story is told accurately and with dignity. This can also be a therapeutic exercise in reflecting on one's life.

What if I don't want to include certain information in the obituary?

You have control over what information is included in the obituary. If there are certain details you prefer not to share publicly, you can omit them or ask a funeral home or obituary writer for guidance.

Can I include humor or anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! An obituary can be a celebration of the person's life, including their personality quirks and humorous moments. Just be sure to keep it respectful and tasteful.

How do I handle sensitive information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive issues or conflicts within the family, it's best to approach them with care and sensitivity. Consider consulting with other family members or a trusted advisor before finalizing the obituary.

What if I need to make corrections to an already-published obituary?

Contact the publication or online platform immediately to request corrections. They will guide you through their process for making changes.

Can I republish an obituary from another source?

If you want to republish an obituary from another source, such as a different newspaper or online platform, obtain permission from the original publisher first. You may also need to provide proof of copyright ownership or permission from the author.

How long are online obituaries typically kept available?

The duration that online obituaries remain available varies by platform. Some websites may keep them archived indefinitely, while others may remove them after a certain period (e.g., 6 months or 1 year).

Can I create a memorial website or page instead of an obituary?

Yes! Memorial websites or pages can be a beautiful way to honor your loved one's memory and share stories, photos, and memories with others. Many online platforms offer this service.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself?

If you're struggling to write an obituary or need guidance, consider asking a funeral home or professional obituary writer for assistance. They can help you craft a fitting tribute to your loved one.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial contributions in an obituary?

Absolutely! Many families choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to honor your loved one's legacy.

How do I notify social media platforms about someone's passing?

Contact each social media platform directly to report the account holder's passing. They will guide you through their process for handling deceased users' accounts.

What if I need additional support or resources during this difficult time?

DON'T hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professional counselors for emotional support. You can also contact local bereavement groups or organizations that provide resources for those coping with loss.

Can I reuse an existing obituary template or example?

You can use existing templates or examples as inspiration, but be sure to customize the content to fit your loved one's unique life story and personality. Avoid copying verbatim without permission from the original author.

How do I ensure that my loved one's legacy lives on after they're gone?

Celebrate their life by sharing stories, memories, and accomplishments with others. Consider creating a memorial fund, scholarship, or charity in their name to continue their impact beyond their passing.