Charles Henry Smith

Charles “Chuck” Henry Smith, 95, a man of quiet strength and remarkable skill, passed away peacefully in his Van Meter home on March 18, 2026. He was born January 3, 1931, in Lake Mills, Iowa, to John and Agnes (Holland) Smith. Chuck was a 1947 graduate of Nora Springs High School. His lifelong curiosity for how things worked led him to study tv and radio in Chicago, where he lived just a couple blocks from Wrigley Field. He also attended Mason City Junior College and Iowa State University.

A veteran of the Korean War, Chuck served as a communications specialist in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. On December 29, 1956, he began a 69-year marriage with Marilyn Joyce Heinold. Together, they began a life in Mason City, later resided in northwest Iowa, and in 1971, moved to their home in Van Meter.

Chuck’s career as a telephone engineer for US West was a natural fit for his technical mind. After their move to Van Meter, he began farming part time, and upon retirement he farmed full time. He was known for his "amazing" sweet corn patch and a garden that fed both family and neighbors.

A true handyman, Chuck could repair virtually any machine or create his own invention to solve a need. Whether collecting antique radios or helping a neighbor with a repair, he was always willing to lend a helping hand, never asking for anything in return. His service continued long after the war through the Van Meter American Legion Post 403, where he was proud to perform Honor Guard duties at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. He was also in the men’s club at Trinity Lutheran Church in Van Meter.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his children, Julie (Craig) Edmondson, Steve Smith, and Karen (Bill) Day; seven grandchildren: Ryan (Carrie) Purviance, Michelle (Brody) Benton, Brandon (Jamie) Purviance, Rachel (Josiah) Bottelman, Emily Edmondson, William (Paige) Day and Katie (Nick) Day, twelve great-grandchildren, and his sister, Nadine Behne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Agnes Smith, and eight siblings – brothers Leroy John (Bud) Smith, Oren Smith, Donald Smith, Dean Smith, Roger Smith, and sisters Murial Reinhart, Ila Cole, and LaVonne Benson.

A private family committal will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Van Meter American Legion Post 403, made out specifically to: 403 FOUNDATION.