Joseph J. “Joe” Smith

Joseph J. “Joe” Smith, age 73, of Peosta, IA, passed away suddenly on December 19, 2022, at home.  To honor Joe’s life, family and friends may gather in fellowship from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. for his memorial on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the Peosta Community Centre, 7896 Burds Road in Peosta.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Joe’s family.

 

Joe was born on May 8, 1949, in Dubuque, IA, to Joseph C. and Kathleen M. (Kennedy) Smith.  He grew up realizing that spending time in the outdoors was always going to be his happy place.  Joe graduated from Loras College and continued to remain in regular contact with his friends from those formative years over the next 50 years.  Joe met his soul-mate, Ann Marting, and their marriage was blessed with many wonderful years together, children and grandchildren to love and nurture, all while they dedicated their working years to running Splendid Valley Nursery.  Joe also owned Joe Smith Construction in his earlier years, and in his later years enjoyed the opportunity to do a little crop farming as time and energy allowed.  Joe and Ann enjoyed ATV riding on their property.  Joe was a committed husband, father, and grandfather who truly valued his family above all.  His work ethic was strong as his sense of humor was weak, but we always loved him for trying.  It’s difficult to describe the weight that burdens our broken hearts with the sudden absence of Joe from our daily lives.  We would give anything for the story to continue, but we are also grateful for the 73 years we were blessed with his larger-than-life presence and positive influence on our lives.  We know that Joe has missed his beloved Ann with an ever-increasing sense of loss and no doubt they are joyfully reunited again and catching up after their time apart.  Thank you, Joe, for leading by example, loving beyond measure, and leaving behind a legacy that will be evident in all of the lives of those who knew and loved you for generations to come.  May the Lord hold you securely now in His loving arms until we see you again.

 

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Joe include,

 

his three children,

Peter (Sherry) Smith, Portage, MI,

Emily (Chris) Habel, Bankston, IA,

and Kallie (Nick) Welter, Rickardsville, IA;

 

his seven adored grandchildren,

Xavior Evans, Audrey Habel, Madelyn Habel, Owen Habel, Abigail Welter, Raymond Welter, and Vincent Welter;

 

his siblings,

Dick (Joyce) Smith, Dubuque, IA,

Sue (Tom) Batell, LaCrosse, WI,

Ann (Kevin) Grogan, Cascade, IA,

and Jack (Maria) Smith, Epworth, IA;

 

his sisters-in-law,

Martha Smith, Dubuque, IA,

Cindy Fox-Booth, Olathe, KS,

and Carole Marting, Sun Valley, AZ;

 

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

 

Joe was preceded in death by his beautiful bride of 47 years, Ann (Marting) Smith; his parents; and his brother, Steve “Gomer” Smith.

 

Online condolences may be shared with Joe’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Memorial Service

Peosta Community Centre
7896 Burds Road, Peosta, Iowa, 52068
January 4th, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

8 comments on “Joseph J. “Joe” Smith
  1. Louis Bassler says:

    Joe was a good man and a good contractor.
    He was also a classmate at Loras College.
    Two of my brothers Bruce Bassler and Tim Bassler worked for Joe for several years.
    They helped remodel Homer’s Bar on Universe Ave.
    I also got compost from Joe each Spring for several years.
    Sorry to say goodbye to Joe.

  2. Linda Chapman says:

    So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a great guy!

  3. Dean Kilburg says:

    Saddened to learn of Joe’s passing. Lots of memories of Joe and our time together at Loras. Our condolences to Joe’s family and his many friends who will miss his presence.

  4. Terry and Donna Wellenbring Beresford says:

    We express our sympathy. Joe was a great guy & classmate of the 1967 class of St Joes….always a smile on his face. He’s with Ann taking care of all of you from above.

  5. Sheriff and Mrs Brad Ingram says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

  6. Jean (Conrad) & Steve Hoeger says:

    Joe was such a sweet and caring man. I grew up with Joe, attending elementary school in Bankston and high school in Farley. He had a wonderful laugh and enjoyed life—he will be missed. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. It is with regret that we won’t be able to attend his service on Jan 4 as we will be out of town.

  7. Vince Huegel says:

    What a nicely written obituary for Joe – perfect. I really don’t remember the first time I
    met him. I do remember I met him at Loras and have known him 50+ years. He was
    a very welcoming person and always great to visit with. It was always a pleasure to see
    Joe and Ann – for me they were synonymous with Dubuque. I feel really lucky to have
    known both of them for so long.

  8. Sr. Donna Demmer says:

    Joe was a great person who loved life, great sense of humor, and super classmate. His mother, Kay, was so proud of him and entire family. May he Rest In Peace with the love of his life.

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