Larry Smith

Larry Smith, 86, passed away October 26, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family.

Larry was born February 3, 1935, to Thomas Dale and Mercedes Louise (Mattiussi) Smith in Des Moines, Iowa. He was a lifelong parishioner and usher at St. Anthony’s where he attended grade school. He loved his church and was faithful. On Sundays he attended 8 a.m. mass and prayed the rosary in bed each night, finishing it most of the time. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952. He was on the Lincoln swim team as a backstroker. He worked for Iowa Power and Light Company (now known as Mid-American Energy) for 42 years and in several different positions: tree trimmer, lineman, line crew, and substation electrician. A good friend of his from work said that he made the workplace more fun. His sense of humor was great. He had a quick wit and had folks laughing quite often.

Larry played a mean game of cribbage always to beat or skunk his brother-in-law to no avail.

Larry was united in marriage to Sally Crouch and blissfully born into their union were five sons and one favorite daughter. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren’s ball games. He cheered for both Iowa and Iowa State. He loved camping with the family along with fishing and hunting, and lots of roasting marshmallows to make smores. He was such a proud parent of his 5 wonderful boys showing them by example and teaching them all about cars, lawnmowers, and how to build a house. His favorite daughter was the apple of his eye. She played on a softball team and her dad was the assistant coach. He patiently taught the girls how to hold the bat and swing (not chop). The greatest sports happening was with our two granddaughters on East Highs softball team that went to State and won, super fun!!

Every 4th of July was like a family and friends’ reunion, potluck, volleyball, we saluted service people, recognized service people with the pledge of allegiance, sang God Bless America then topped off with the chicken dance.

Dad and Mom celebrated their 50th anniversary on a cruise. Larry really enjoyed his mothers’ side of the family. Attending the annual Friuliani Italian dinner, polka dancing; going to Minnesota cabin every summer.

Larry is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sally; five children, Steve (Joann) Smith of Council Bluffs, Mike (Darlene) Smith of Elm City, NC, Dale (Deb) Smith of Des Moines, daughter-in-law, Jenifer Smith of Des Moines, Matt (Michelle) Smith of Windsor Heights, Teresa (St. Rick) Heldt of Boone; twelve grandchildren (nine girls and three boys), Stephanie (Anthony) Feldmiller of CA, Stacie Smith of Waukee, Amanda (David) Michael of Pleasant Hill, Brandon (Jewelz) Smith of Des Moines, Kelly (Matt) Trissler of Altoona, Cari (Brett) Toncar of Des Moines, Janie (Nate) O’Neil of Des Moines, Jessica (Brian) Heim of Des Moines, Amy (Josh) Tiefenthaler of Norwalk, Justin (Abby) Sleeth of Prole, Jacob (Laura) Sleeth of Des Moines, Jayde Sleeth (Michael) of Adair; 25 great-grandchildren, Raylon, Griffin, Levi, Seth, Naomi, Everisto, Lucca, Brynn, Mya, Brooks, Warren, Hayley, Ella, Brooklyn, Nora, Mikayla, Aiden, Paul, Chrystle, Cory, Xavier, Liam, Elijah, Tyler, Everleigh, and one more on the way; sister, Jane L’Estrange; and brother, Tom Smith, Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Neal Smith; daughter-in-law, Shelly; son-in-law, Michael; and daughter-in-law, Stacey.

The family will greet friends Sunday, October 31, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the Rosary recited at 3:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 1, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road. Larry will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Anthony Church, 15 Indianola Road, Des Moines, IA 50315, Parkinson’s Foundation, P.O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306 or University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242 in loving memory of Larry.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print