Paul Smith

Paul J. Smith of Rockwell, Iowa, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2024, in Hugo, MN with family by his side. He was 91 years of age and born in Albert Lea, MN but resided most of his life in Rockwell and Mason City, Iowa.

In 1959 he married Patricia Hostetler at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City, Iowa. They raised two children, Mark and Michelle and several family pets with Paul having a special love for dogs, especially German Shepherds.

Paul was the eldest of five children whose father became ill with Multiple Sclerosis at a very young age. Consequently, Paul ran the family farm business which supported his four siblings finishing their college education. Paul's talent and love for farming grew and became obvious by his passion to work hard and receiving multiple agricultural related awards. He was also a continuous learner of agriculture as evident by devoted reading and attending seminars and successfully growing the business and providing for his family, even during times of economic challenges. While teaching his kids work ethic and family values, he also found time for family. Some of his best family memories were spent boating (Clear Lake, IA), fishing (MN, Canada, Lake Michigan), hunting, snow skiing (MN, MI, CO), snowmobiling (IA, MN, WI), playing cribbage and pool.

As their kids grew older, they continued to spend most of their time in the Midwest visiting St. Paul, MN or Chicago, IL to be with their kids and grandkids. His love for German Shepherds, was strong and evident by his time spent training and teaching them tricks. When he was outside his dog was always right at his side. His family imagines that he was greeted by many jumpers, several licks and wagging tails from his four-legged friends, especially one of his recent favorites, "Stella", as he entered heaven.

For many years, Paul was a member of the Rockwell Lyons Club and Mason City Knights of Columbus. He was also a very active supporter of Newman High School (Newman Catholic) school events where both of his children attended.

Paul's joking mannerisms made for lots of laughter and fond memories with family, friends and caregivers, especially those who assisted him in the last few months of his life at his assisted living facility in Hugo, MN. He will be missed but especially remembered for all his contributions and putting others first before himself while doing so with humble style and grace.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Charles "CL" Smith, Romona (Cahalan) Smith, and sister JoAnne (Smith) Dilts.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Hostetler) Smith (Hugo, MN); children, Mark (Kathy) Smith (White Bear Lake, MN) and Michelle (Steve) Smith-Hiemenz (Naperville, IL); five grandchildren, Maddie Smith (Denver, CO), Tara Smith (Denver, CO), Luke Smith (New York City, NY), Ashley Hiemenz (Naperville, IL) and Jake Hiemenz (Naperville, IL); siblings, Mary Catherine (Smith) Selzer (Fairfax, IA), Johanna (Smith) Guttropf (Denver, CO) and Charles "Chuck" Smith (Council Bluffs, IA).

To honor Paul's wishes, his celebration of life will take place at a time when all his kids and grandkids can be present but will be a private ceremony of immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Paul's memory to: Newman Catholic School System, 2445 19th St. SW, Mason City, Iowa 50401.