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Richard L. Smith, 76, passed away December 17, 2020 from complications related to Covid.
Born January 24, 1944 to Donald and Alice (Petersen) Smith. He received his education in Marshalltown Public School system graduating in 1962.
He attended Iowa State University where he met Marilyn Purlee to whom he married and had 2 daughters, Laurel and Allison.
He graduated from Wartburg College in 1969 with an accounting degree and ISU with an MBA in 1998. After working in several Midwestern states, he and his family returned to Marshalltown in 1981 where he worked for Fisher Controls and later Richie Industries in Conrad.
He was a life-long learner and took that passion into the classroom at Iowa State University where he found his “perfect” job teaching in the college of business.
In 1989, he married Patricia Beck. Rick and Pat enjoyed traveling to Spain several summers while Rick taught for ISU overseas. Rick also enjoyed spending time with family. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Loved ones left behind include his wife, Patricia; daughters Laurel (Jeff) Thompson of Cedar Falls and Allison (John) Deike and grandsons Alex and Max of Clear Lake. Also left behind are step-sons Darin (Cathy) Beck of Cedar Falls and Brian (Karla) Beck of Nevada along with their families: Travis Beck of Ankeny; Brittany (Andrew) Shelton of Waterloo; and Trey (Emily) Beck of Ames.
Due to the pandemic, there will be a private service for family at Mitchell Family Funeral Home with interment at Riverside Cemetery on December 23. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Please direct cards to Mitchell Family Funeral Home c/o Richard Smith family.
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Rex Lowe
So sorry to hear this. We didn't connect much in later years but he was always a good friend in high school. And it sounds like he had a full wonderful life
John Reibsamen
Rick was a wonderful guy, I enjoyed our friendship.
John Reibsamen
Jane Middleton
Very sorry to hear this. RIP Rich.
Mary Turpin (White)
At our 55th class reunion Rick came over where I was sitting and we had a great conversation. That will now be an even more special memory for me.
Richard Stanley
Very sorry to hear of Rick's passing. When I first moved to Marshalltown and began first grade in January, 1951 at Palmer Schoool with Miss Muriel Speas as the teacher, I was the second" Richard" in her class. Because our last names both began with S, we had to be identified as "Richard Sm" and "Richard St".
Rick, along with Jerrry Gazaway, were the first boys to wear the then new,and daring Bermuda shorts in the mid-50's when we were at Woodbury School for 5th and 6th grades. Such fashion leaders were they!!!
I also remember that Rick had a part-time job at the then Avey Funeral Home ( I think??) when we were in high school. He showed some of us what the preparation room for burial looked like.
I so enjoyed his doing docent work for us at the 55th Class Reunion Annivesary when we visted the Historical Society Museum of Marshall County. He was so proud of that establishment.
What a well-lived and full life Rick had. Our Class of 62 is fortunate that we had him as one of us. He was so smart and obviouly quite accomplished throughout his earthly years.
Rich Stanley
Mary Turpin (White)
Oh Rich, I am so glad you mentioned Woodbury. I was just sure Rick was at Woodbury at some time with us. Hadn't drug out the year book to check for sure if my memory was failing me.
James Stewart
Rick was a good friend and a great guy, RIP my friend.
Sara Neve (Kurth)
Tom says he remembers Rick from playing football with him. He also remembers Rick coming to the class reunion that was held at the Moose Lodge. Guess Rick didn't plan on staying very long because he went grocery shopping before he came and had purchased ice cream. He had such a good time that he stayed quite awhile and I'll bet the ice cream didn't make it home in very good shape. We were talking and all of a sudden he remembered he had ice cream in the car. I guess I talk too much. He was a good guy with a nice sense of humor. Tom Kurth
Betty Cartwright (Bruce)
Very sorry to hear of his passing. I believe I first met him in band when I moved to Marshalltown from Toledo! Always friendly! Rest In Peace!
Harmon Hosch
I remember RIck most vividly from his time working at the funeral home (see Richard St.'s comments). As I recall, he drove ambulance/hurse for them. I was working at the hospital then and he would stop in and we would hang after his runs were completed. I also got the Home tour and learned about embalming and such. He was a fun and interesting guy. Rest in Peace, Rick.