Peter J. Smith 1923-2011

SMITH JOHNSON

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/17/2012 at 14:12:22

Sioux City Journal
September 30, 2011

CUSHING, Iowa -- Peter J. Smith, 87, of Cushing passed away Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, at a Sioux City hospital.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John Lutheran Church in Cushing, with the Rev. Beverly Wolff officiating. Burial will be in Cushing Cemetery, with military rites conducted by American Legion F. Roger Baumann Post 624 of Cushing. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home in Correctionville, Iowa.

Peter J. Smith was born Nov. 29, 1923, the son of Peter and Ruth Smith. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mallard, Iowa. He received his education at country school in Havelock and Laurens, Iowa. In World War II he served his country in the 24th Infantry. His company served in the initial invasion of the Philippines. He was wounded twice and awarded two Purple Hearts.

On June 25, 1949, he married Mavis Johnson. They were blessed with three children, David Peter, Kevin James and Sheila Kay, as well as a daughter-in-law, Lorene, and a son-in-law, Bob.

In November 1948 Peter purchased Cushing Telephone Exchange, which operated until 1961. He spent several years in the lumber business at Coop in Correctionville until his retirement.

Peter was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church. He served on the council and was the last surviving member of the building addition to the church.

Peter was involved in the community serving on the town council, the Cushing Fire Department for 35 years and the F. Roger Baumann Post of the American Legion for 63 years.

Peter's greatest joy was his children and grandchildren, Alex, Scott and Kristin. He lived to see his first great-grandchild, Aidan Peter. Peter loved to watch the grandkids. Gardening was also a special love of his. He and Mavis enjoyed ballroom dancing and the friendships they made. They also traveled in every state in the U.S. and much of Canada.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 62 years, Mavis; his children, David (Lorene) Smith of Cherokee, Iowa, Kevin of Sioux City and Sheila (Bob) O'Connell of Cushing; grandchildren, Alex (Robyn) Smith of Eagle, Neb., and Scott O'Connell and Kristin O'Connell of Cushing; his great-grandson, Aidan; two sisters, Mary Johnson of Newell, Iowa, and Louise Olsen of Fort Dodge, Iowa; and numerous relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Cora Smith and Margaret Aringdale; and a brother, Ben.

Peter was a devoted Christian whose life reflected his love for God and humanity. Blessed be his memory.