65298_Smidt George Sr._Smidt
MASON CITY — George Smidt Sr., 85, of Mason City, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 1, 2013.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, at Faith Baptist Church, 1807 South Kentucky Ave., with the Rev. Miles Grismore officiating.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the church service.Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the George Smidt Sr. memorial fund in care of the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.
George was born Aug. 19, 1927, in Britt, the youngest of 15 children to Henry and Emily (Heerkes) Smidt. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1946. He was united in marriage to Beverly Hjelle on Aug. 3, 1952, in Northwood, Iowa. George farmed south east of Mason City and enjoyed being outdoors and working on the farm. He took great pride in farming and always did his best, which he accomplished in his long career. He enjoyed farming beside his son George Jr. and spending time with his family and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
George is survived by his son, George Smidt Jr. of Mason City, granddaughter, Emily Chambers and husband Byron of Texas; two great-grandchildren, Lauren and Tyler Chambers; siblings, Helen Smidt of Mason City and Geraldine Pitkin of Clear Lake; sisters-in-law, Bonnie King of Mason City and Helen Smidt of Britt; brother-in-laws, Newell Trustin and Helmer Hjelle of Mason City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beverly A. Smidt in 2001 and a daughter, Vickie Mennen; siblings, Henry, Ole, Ann, Henry, Louie, Alice, Fanny, Emily, Hensman, Ben, Lena and Jenny; and son-in-law, Mark Mennen in 2003; sister-in-law, Lillian Marsh and brother-in-law, Oscar Hjelle.
Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-0924, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.