Gary D. Smith

Gary D. Smith passed away peacefully at home on October 10, 2025, in the love and comfort of his wife, Jodine, and his son, Robert. He was 77 years old.

Gary was born to Virgil T. and Mildred (Wishmeir) Smith on January 25,1948. He was baptized on July 4, 1948, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Van Meter, Iowa, where his lifelong faith began.

Gary was a man of two things — God first, and the farm second. He spent his entire life devoted to his wife and to working the land that defined him. His work ethic was deeply rooted in his love for God and his trust in Christ.

It was his wish to remain on the farm he loved, surrounded by the life he built. In his final days, he found peace knowing he was home — and ready to go to his eternal home with God.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jodine (Harvey) Smith; his stepson, Robert Clark; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: JoAnne (Wearmouth), Virgil Norman Smith, Shirley (Ham), Marilyn (Van Zee), George Smith, Betty (Wessling), Ronald Smith, and Dennis Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Mildred Smith, and his sister, Retta Smith, who passed away in 2013.

Gary served in the Iowa National Guard, including active duty during the Des Moines civil unrest in the early 1970s. When he wasn’t serving, he was farming — sunrise to sunset — with purpose, faith, and quiet strength.

Gary’s life was simple and strong: faith, family, and the farm. He lived what he believed, every single day.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Van Meter, where a visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. 

Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church in Van Meter, where Gary was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith.