Sherwin William Smith, 84

Sherwin William Smith, age 84, of rural Shell Rock passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024, after a brief but valiant battle with cancer.

Sherwin was born on February 14th, 1939, in Nashua, IA to Galen Allen and Erma Nadine (Shook) Smith. He graduated from Greene High School in 1957. On June 21st, 1959, Sherwin was united in marriage to the love of his life, Bertha Louise Kingery, at the Church of the Brethren in Greene. To this union four children were born. The couple started farming near Greene and then continued in Kesley, IA. In 1967 they moved to a farm North of Clarksville and continued farming there for twenty more years. After 27 years of farming Sherwin and Bertha moved off the farm and bought an acreage South of Shell Rock. Sherwin went to work for the Farmer’s Cooperative in Shell Rock, IA. He began as a mechanic and retired from the Coop 23 years later as the branch manager. After retiring from the Coop he went to work with Bertha in her commercial sewing business where they created fabric transitions for the Nestle company in Waverly. Sherwin retired again in 2021 when Bertha retired from her sewing business.

Sherwin was a very active member of the Heritage Global Methodist Church of Waverly, the Shell Rock Coon Hunters Association and the Iowa State Coon Hunters Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and showing dogs. He enjoyed family fishing trips to Minnesota for many years and a few Canadian fishing trips as well. He loved to cook for his family, both at home and at church.

Sherwin is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Bertha, four children: Deb (Brad) Cole of Dodge, ND, Bryan Smith of Clarksville, Dan (Jenn) Smith of Shell Rock and Wendy Brooks of Clarksville; one granddaughter, Bethany (Jon) Myers, one step grandson, Dustin Cole, three great grandchildren, Jordan Myers, Bailey (Levi) Enright and Jenna Myers and one step great granddaughter Samantha Sims, three siblings; Roger (Joyce) Smith, Darlys Smith (Jan Kranbeer), Janan (Zane) Smith and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a still born sister, his son-in-law Bubba Brooks and daughter-in-law Becky Smith.

A private burial will be held in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in rural Greene. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 20th at 10:30am at the Heritage Global Methodist Church of Waverly with Pastor Jon Hennings officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Heritage Global Methodist Church or to Cedar Valley Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting the family. 319-352-1187.