Robert Wayne Smith 1935-2012

SMITH GAUL

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/9/2012 at 13:00:24

Sioux City Journal
July 29, 2012

Robert Wayne Smith, 77, of Sioux City, was called Home on Thursday, July 26, 2012, after a brief illness. He was at home, surrounded by his family.

A celebration service will be held 7 p.m. Saturday, August 4, at the Community of Christ Church, 3232 Transit Avenue in Sioux City. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Robert was born in Sioux City to Frank and Grace Smith on June 10, 1935. He was raised by Frank “Sandy” and his stepmother, Bernie. Bob attended Sioux City Central High, and then served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 through 1956.

Following his service in the Navy, Bob met his wife, Marilyn Gaul, in Le Mars, Iowa. They were married on Sept. 17, 1956. They moved to Joplin, Mo., and after 2 1/2 years there, moved to Sioux City, where they made their home and raised their family. Bob worked at MidAmerican Energy (IPS) from their arrival in Sioux City and spent more than 30 years there. In his "retirement," Bob devoted his time to his ministry, including work with Jackson Recovery patients working through the Twelve Step program. He served Jackson Recovery for 20 years.

Bob had a deep faith and was very active in his ministry. His passion was to minister to those individuals who were struggling through addictions. He was a master cribbage player and had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed working with wood, playing a harmonica, and working crossword puzzles. He shared his rich history with his family and friends through his story-telling. Bob was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Bob often said that he was the wealthiest man alive because of his family.

Their living daughters and their families are Deb Gandy (David Gandy) and son Jeremy (deceased 2007); Bruce Godbersen (Sandy deceased 1982) and Cindy and their sons Scott (Desiree), Todd (Maggie Reichow) and Russ; Brenda and Steve Barwick and kids Abbie, Courtney, Taylor and Jarod; Sherri and Charlie Wing and their daughters Kayla (Joel Pistello) and Michelle; and Janet and Shane Fuller, and kids Hannah (Tony Ochoa), Sarah, Jacob and Rachel. Great-grandchildren include Kaylin Owens, Kaleb Godbersen, AnnMarie Pistello, Rilyn Norton, Jalyn Norton and future baby Pistello.

Bob was preceded in death his mother Grace (Tutty) Smith; his daughter Sandra (Smith) Godbersen; his brother Charles Roger Smith; his father Frank “Sandy” Smith; his stepmother Bernie Smith; and his grandson Jeremy Gandy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Jackson Recovery.

Papa’s final words might have been, "Ole died, boat for sale."