Kenneth L. Smith

Kenneth Laverne Smith, 85, 10757 Cedar Ave., Clear Lake, died Thursday, July 25, 2013 at the Concord Care Center, Garner, Iowa.

     A memorial service was held, Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Rev. Rodney Meester of the First Reformed Church, Meservey, Iowa, officiating.  

     Kenneth was born April 18, 1928 at his grandparent’s home in Meservey.  He was the son of Clyde and Grace (Groen) Smith.  He attended country school and then Ventura.  He farmed all his life in the Clear Lake area.  Ken married Grace Darlene Hansen on Sept. 25, 1955 at the First Baptist Church, Mason City, Iowa.  They lived on the farm until September 2012.  He loved playing cards, hunting, fishing trips to Canada and driving around in his pickup.  Special to him was spending time with his family.

     Kenneth is survived by his wife, Grace Smith, Garner, Iowa; daughter, Cynthia (Tee) Bower, Des Moines, Iowa; granddaughter, Lily Grace (Aaron) Ilvess; three grandchildren, Alexandria, Quinton and Hunter; three brothers, Virgil Smith, Waterloo, Iowa, Russell (Bobbie) Smith, Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Mike (Betty) Smith, Ventura; sister, Vivian (Kim) McCraken, Cincinnati, Ohio; sister-in-law, Rakel Smith, Clear Lake, and many nieces and nephews.

     Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Frances Rabe; brother, Donald Smith; sister-in-law, Myrna Smith; and brother-in-law, Barry Rabe.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.