Richard E. "Dick" Smith

Richard E. "Dick" Smith

Richard E. Smith, 85, of Fayette died Sunday, November 9, 2014 at Gundersen Lutheran Health Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2014, at the United Methodist Church in Fayette with Rev. Mee Kang officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13, at Becker-Milnes Funeral home in Fayette and for one hour preceding services at the church on Friday. Memorials may be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the Fayette County Historical Society.

Richard Eugene, son of Howard and Evelyn (Reed) Smith, was born March 3, 1929 at Hazelton, Iowa. He graduated from Waucoma High School in 1947 and from Upper Iowa University in Fayette with a degree in English in 1952. From 1952 to 1954 he served with the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska. On April 25, 1953 he was united in marriage with Marjorie Olesen at the Presbyterian Church in West Union. Dick taught briefly, and then began farming in the Fayette area and continued until retiring in 1993. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Fayette. He was also a member of the Fayette Lions Club, Fayette County Historical Board, Upper Iowa Board of Trustees, Farm Bureau Board, and the Board of Directors at Bank First of West Union. He enjoyed playing golf, was a loyal Cubs fan, traveled extensively with his wife, and volunteered for many different things including Habitat for Humanity.

In addition to his wife Margie of Fayette, he is survived by three sons, Steve (Karolyn) of Osage, Tom (Diana) of West Union, and Maury (Dana) of Littleton, Colorado; one daughter, Cindy Durscher (Steve Pleggenkuhle) of West Union; seven grandchildren, Tina and Traci Smith, Sarah (Brett) Ingersoll, Tim Smith, Amber (Mark) Schultz, Hunter Smith and Miranda Smith; two step-grandchildren, Andrew and Amber Richardson; seven great-grandchildren, Amanda Smith, Rylee, Dalton, and Reed Upton, Nolan and Sawyer Ingersoll, and Aubree Schultz; three step-great-grandchildren, Micah and Bronson Steffens, and Luciana Richardson; one sister, Judy (Dick) Brookhaus of Coralville; three nephews, Bob, Rich, and Jim; and one niece, Becky.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one niece, Jodie Brookhaus; and his
aunt, Antma Mildred Reed Rolf.

Allison Phillips- Alzheimer's Assoication on November 19, 2014 at 9:05 AM said:

I am so sorry for your loss. Dick would come to the Fayette County Alzheimer's Support Group. He was a wonderful man and a joy to be around. He was very knowledgeable about the disease and was able to share his personal experiences. He will be missed by our support group and care givers.

Sharon Olson-Comer on November 16, 2014 at 10:03 PM said:

I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passin. I only just heard on the weekend, but will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. I know it is not easy, and hope you find comfort knowing he will always be near, watching over you.

Jan Bennington Van Buren on November 14, 2014 at 6:43 PM said:

So very sorry to learrn about Dick's death. I enjoyed talking with him when I visited my parents, Glen and Mildred Bennington, who counted Dick and Marjory among their friends. He always had a big smile and a hug for me when I saw him at church and at Maple Crest. He will be missed by many people.

James W Whitford on November 13, 2014 at 12:11 PM said:

Dick was a good friend of my brother, Les Whitford. I will miss seeing him at UIU sports events. My sympathy to his family.

Brett and Amy Smith on November 13, 2014 at 8:40 AM said:

Our condolences to the family. Dick was a great man and will deeply be missed.

Joy VanSickel on November 12, 2014 at 6:52 AM said:

Was sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He was a good friend. He was the last of the golf group; Gene, 'Pud" Jack, and Dick that played together when we returned to Iowa in the summer. We enjoyed their winter visits. One of our favorites was the time Dick and Marge went with with Jack and I to see the Christmas program of the Rockettes in the afternoon and then went to a Suns game that night. One of the Suns dancers took a picture of the four of us.

Bob DeMeyer on November 12, 2014 at 6:49 AM said:

Condolences to the Dick Smith family,

I met your father while helping Andy Meyer with the Harvest each of the last 5 yrs. Dick would always come out to ride in the combine with Andy. Dick was a very nice man and will be missed. I always looked forward to talking to Dick each fall. This fall he was very quiet and said he wasn't feeling good. Please accept my condolence and I will keep Dick and you in my prayers.

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