SMITH, Gerwin 1927-2021

SMITH, KREBSBACH, WEGMAN, YAMRISKA, JAX

Posted By: Karen Feldt Robertson (email)
Date: 4/16/2024 at 20:12:12

Gerwin "Smitty" Albert Smith, 94, died July 4, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society in St. Ansgar, Iowa.

A Funeral Mass will be held July 10, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Father Raymond Burkle officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage with military honors by Osage American Legion Post 278.

Gerwin was born on May 10, 1927 on the family farm north of Stacyville, Iowa to Joseph and Elizabeth (Krebsbach) Smith. He served in the Army from 1953-1955. One of Gerwin's favorite pastimes was dancing to polkas and waltzes. It was at the Pla-Mor Ballroom in Rochester, MN where he met his lifelong dance partner, Florence Wegman. They were married on October 24, 1959 in St. Charles, MN. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage. Gerwin and Florence farmed and raised their family east of Stacyville, Iowa.

Eventually, they moved to Mitchell, Iowa where they enjoyed their retirement years near the Cedar River. Along with music, Gerwin enjoyed fishing and coffee gatherings at local restaurants (where he was given the keys to the place). Some of his favorite hangouts included Stan's Drive-in, Lucy's Lunch Box, and the Kountry Kupboard. Gerwin also enjoyed the annual fireworks shows in Mitchell and a good parade. He treasured time with his family during the holidays and was often involved with the menu selection. Finally, he always said "thank you for stopping by for a visit and be sure to take a Coke for the road".

Gerwin attended his last polka party with his sweetheart, Florence at the Good Samaritan Society on June 29, 2021. He had fun singing, tapping to the beat, and being recognized for being a veteran at the party.

Survivors include his wife, Florence Smith, children; Anne, (Jerry) Yamriska, Gary Smith, Robert (Mina) Smith, and two grandchildren; Emily and Zach Smith, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jane Smith; his parents; sisters and brothers, Leo, Martha (Smith) Jax, Nicholas, Gregory, Margaret, Gilbert, Ray and Benny Smith.

Please direct memorials to St. Croix Hospice.

St. Ansgar Enterprise