Howard B. Smith

Howard Bernard Smith, 94, of 94 Floyd St, Rudd, died on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center N.I. in Mason City.

At his request, he was cremated and his ashes will be buried next to his wife at Evergreen Cemetery in Rudd.

Burial will be announced at a later date.  A gathering of family and friends at Rudd United Methodist Church, 611 6th St, in Rudd, will also be announced at a later date.

Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to Rudd United Methodist Church in Rudd.

Howard B. Smith was born December 7, 1923 in rural Greene, Iowa, the youngest of 8 children to Raymond and Elizabeth (Everly) Smith.  He attended country school growing up.

Howard was married to Gertrude “Trudy” Bell on September 16, 1950 in Austin, Minnesota. After living in rural Greene, they moved to Rudd in 1955.  On January 10, 1962 their son, Joel Patrick Smith, was born.

Howard farmed his whole life and also worked in construction along with other several jobs over the years.  Growing up, he played fast-pitch softball and was on a bowling team for a number of years.

One of his biggest joys was watching his son Joel, along with his teammates, play baseball from little league up to high school.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener.  He was always known to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it and was always well liked.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a good storyteller.

Howard is survived by his son Joel, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three brothers: Wilford, Russell and Dayle Smith and four sisters: Edna Loucks, Ruth Shannon, Ivy Stille and Blanche Hinders.