Obituary of Darrel F. Smith

Darrel Smith, 65 of Oxford, died Sunday, April 13, 2008, at the Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa following a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at St. Mary’s Auditorium in Oxford where visitation will be from 4 to 8pm Tuesday. Burial will be at the Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Iowa City Hospice in Darrel’s memory. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Darrel was born May 21, 1942, near Lone Tree, Iowa the son of Leland and Ruth (Malmberg) Smith. He graduated from Oxford High School in 1960. Here is where he met his future wife, Blanche Wegmuller. Darrel married his high school sweetheart, Blanche in 1963. The couple has lived in Oxford all their married lives. For nearly forty years Darrel was employed by Amana Refrigeration. He also was with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Reserves for many years. Darrell also worked for the Clear Creek Amana Community School District, and as a park ranger at Kent Park. Darrel was a former member of the Oxford Fire Department. He was a man who could do most anything, wouldn’t ask for your help, but was the first to offer his. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, camping, ATV’s, and traveling. But dear to his heart was spending as much time as possible with his grandchildren, there wasn’t anything more important in his life than his family! His family includes his wife, Blanche; four sons and their wives, Shane and Kristi Smith of Homestead, Shawn and Glenda Smith of Tiffin, Shannon and Jodi Smith of Solon, and Al and Jill Smith of Cedar Rapids; his daughter, Tiffany Smith of Oxford; eight grandchildren, Shanea, Shelby, Blaze, Zane, Abby, Adam, Ty, and Tristin Smith; two brothers, Dale Smith and his wife, Virginia of Unionville, IA, and Duaine Smith of Tiffin; one sister, Darlene Kasper and her husband, Virgil of Tiffin, many loving nieces and nephews. Over the years Darrel and Blanche have had over four hundred foster children in their home, including five girls at the present. Many of these children have grown up and have families of their own, but they all still are members of the Darrel Smith family. Darrel was preceded in death by his parents. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Darrel’s family and his services.