Harold Arnold SMITH

SMITH, KLINK, BRANDENBURG, ARNOLD, PALS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/10/2010 at 15:21:24

Belmond Independent, Iowa
January 19, 2010

Harold A. Smith, 94, Belmond, died January 16, 2010 at the Belmond Medical Center, surrounded by his family. Services were held January 19 at Immanuel Reformed Church, east of Belmond. Burial was in the church cemetery. Harold Arnold was born May 12, 1915 at Earlham, the son of William Tanner and Laura (Arnold) Smith. He attended Dexter High School and graduated in 1932. Harold moved to Belmond in 1932 through connections he had with Dr. Leinbach's brother. After settling in the Belmond area, he farmed for four years. Then he began his lifelong career as a self-employed mink rancher, a love he continued for nearly 50 years. Harold married Jennie Pals on February 17, 1939 at the Immanuel Reformed Parsonage. They raised their four children on the family farm. Harold had a lifelong and very strong faith. He was active at Immanuel Reformed in numerous capacities, including serving on the church consistory and co-chairing the building of the new church. His family was always of utmost importance in his life and he looked forward to holidays, family gatherings, outing to an area lake, or almost anything that meant spending time with them. Harold was interested in young people and teaching them the values of life and skills for the future. He was a long time 4-H volunteer.Harold was the consummate outdoorsman. An avid angler, he jumped at every opportunity to go fishing, whether it was with his family or with his buddies. He enjoyed hunting. As his health declined, he would look out the window with his binoculars for wildlife, and if he could get in the boat, he would be up for a day on the lake. He raised a large and meticulously-weeded garden, and was renowned for his hand-shelled popcorn. He will be remembered as a pleasant and welcoming gentleman with a special twinkle in his eye and a warm handshake.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Jennie (1982); grandsons Micheal Smith and Baron Smith; brother Howard Smith; sister Elizabeth Brandenburg; and daughter-in-law Carolyn Smith. Survivors include his sons Robert W. Smith of Belmond, James W. (Chris) Smith of Post Falls, ID and Bruce H. (Pat) Smith of Mason City; daughter Judy K. (Jon) Klink of Klemme; nine grandchildren; one step granddaughter; and two step great granddaughters.