Guy Gary Smith

Guy Smith, 81, of Wiota, IA, passed away Wednesday November 13, 2024, while working on a job, doing what he loved to do. He would have had it no other way.

Guy was born July 31, 1943, on a farm in rural Anita, IA, the son of Ross and Marie (Henneberg) Smith. His youth was spent on his parents’ farm, where days started with the morning milking before school, and summers were spent making hay. Harvest time brought neighbors together to help each other with the threshing. He attended the Wiota Consolidated High School, graduating with the last Senior Class in 1961. He attended trade school in Kansas City, MO., as well as attending Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO. for one year.

Guy married the love of his life, Judy Christensen, on August 15, 1964, in Anita, IA. After their marriage, they first lived north of Anita before moving to an acreage southwest of Wiota, IA, where he lived for the next 54 years, vowing never to move again. He never did.

In 1964 Guy started work at the Gambles Store in Anita, giving him a glimpse into the trade that became his life’s work for the next 60 years. In 1968 he went to work at Camblin Plumbing and Heating in Atlantic, IA, where he was eventually promoted to Service Manager. In 1979, he took on the challenge of starting his own business, Smith Plumbing and Heating. At the time, the country was in a recession, as well as a farm crisis, but through untold hours of hard work and sheer will, he built a successful business. In 1986, Shane joined his dad full-time. They worked side-by-side for the next 38 years, solving problems, all while making sure every pipe, outlet, and wire was straight. His big Bahama Blue Ford Vans became a familiar sight in town. Over the years, customers became good friends whom he always enjoyed visiting with while he worked in their homes. Craftmanship and integrity were everything and his word was his bond.

After Judy’s passing in 2003, Guy’s devotion to his family only grew. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren came, and they could do no wrong. Camera shy, sometimes the only way to get him to stand still for a picture was to have one of the grandkids ask him. Dance recitals, sporting events, county fairs, vocal concerts, graduations, and weddings always made it to the top of his schedule.

He is survived by his four children: Shane (Diana) Smith of Anita, IA, Shad (Jill) Smith of Papillion, NE, Shannon (Rick) Ryan, of Atlantic, IA, and Shala Smith of Marion, IA. Nine grandchildren: Kelsey (Gavin) Walhovd, Bailey Smith, Makaye (Lucas) Hamilton, Shalyn (Josh) Parker, Austin (Katie) Ryan, Payton (Tanner) Anderson, Noah Smith, Cole Smith, and Reghan Smith. Eight great-grandchildren: Oakley, Roscoe, and Nellie Walhovd; Terra, Teagan, and Tinzley Anderson; Theo and Eloise Hamilton; and one baby Ryan on the way; his sister, Karen Berger of Atlantic, IA; brother-in-law Gary (Jan) Christensen of Anita, IA; sisters-in-law Bonnie Littleton of Atlantic, IA, LaDonna Andrews of Anita, IA, and Glenda Smith of Whitefish, MT; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Guy is preceded in death by his wife, Judy; his parents; brother Bob Smith; parents in-law, Hans and Amanda Christensen; brothers-in-law Harold Pine, Delbert (Edna) Christensen, Mert (Marcella) Christensen, Duane Littleton, Gene Andrews, and Wilbur Berger; sisters-in-law LaVeda Pine and Shirley Christensen; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 am, Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA with Rev. Jessica Wietzke officiating. Burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, IA. Visitation with the family present will be held from 2 pm till 4 pm on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic. A luncheon will be served following the committal service at the Anita Community Center in Anita.

Memorials can be made to either St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Anita Food Pantry, or Anita Fire Department and left or mailed to the funeral home at PO Box 523 - Atlantic, IA 50022. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic is caring for Guy and his family at this time and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfh.com