Louis Jake Smidt

Louis J. Smidt, 72, of Britt passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services for Louis Smidt will be held on Monday, July 18, 2016 at 10:30 AM at the Britt Christian Reformed Church - At The Crossroads Ministries, 569 Main Avenue North in Britt, with Pastor Joel DeBoer officiating.  Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 17, 2016 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West in Britt, and continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Louis Jake Smidt was born October 16, 1943 to Anton and Ella (Eekhoff) Smidt in Mason City.  He was raised and educated in rural Britt and graduated from Britt High School with the Class of 1961 before attending Iowa State University.

Louis served in the United States Army during Vietnam.

Louis was united in marriage with Gayle Gabrielson on February 25, 1967 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond.  The couple made their home in rural Britt and to this union children Jeffrey, Sarah and Kimberly were born.

Louis was a lifelong farmer, beginning at an early age alongside his father and continuing up through planting this past spring.  In earlier years, they raised cattle, hogs and sheep, along with other various livestock that the kids were working with for 4-H.  In the spring of 1971, Louis took over the family farming operation and they moved onto the family farm.

Louis was a lifelong member of the Christian Reformed Church, currently a member of the Britt congregation and previously a member in Kanawha. He lived his life serving his faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.

Louis loved attending all of the West Hancock athletic events and could be found in attendance at Cyclone football games or on the golf course.  He was also an avid fan of the Vikings and Twins.  He enjoyed traveling, whether on short day trips to various county fairs and community celebrations or to Norway, Germany or Spain to visit Marcos, the family’s exchange student.  Most recently, he and Gayle spent a month in Florida each of the last 5 winters.  When in Britt, Louis never missed an opportunity to have coffee with his friends every morning and afternoon.

Louis will be remembered for his great laugh and kind smile.  He was well respected, slow to anger and a stranger to no one. He was sweeter than candy, warmer than the sun and jollier than Christmas.

Louis is survived by his wife Gayle of Britt; children Jeffrey (Annette) Smidt and son Christian of Clear Lake, Sarah (Jayson) Keiper and daughters Ava and Ella of Britt, Kimberly Smidt of Urbandale and Marcos (Florencia) Garcia and daughters Sofia and Lucia of Overland Park, Kansas; sister Emma Jean “E.J.” Smidt of Bradenton, Florida; his beloved Rat Terrier, Bobby; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents Anton and Ella Smidt.

View Louis Smidt's Memorial Tribute Video here:

Louis Smidt Memorial Tribute Video