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Mark Harry Smith
Mark Harry Smith
Iowa City
Mark Harry Smith, 81, died on December 21, 2025, the longest, darkest night of the year.
Mark was born March 31, 1944, in Jefferson, Iowa to Otto Verne and Cleo Smith. He graduated from Woodbine High School. Mark earned his bachelor’s degree from Drake University and his Master of Education from the University of Chicago.
After marrying the love of his life Beth Graham in 1966, Mark and Beth served in the Peace Corps in Botswana, Africa. They became proud parents and lovingly raised their two daughters in Chicago and then moved to Iowa City in 1982.
Mark taught in Chicago and the Iowa City Schools for many years. When Mark and Beth became empty nesters, they returned to Africa to teach in Kenya with the Teach For Africa program. Upon return Mark enjoyed operating Smiths’ Bed and Breakfast and The Bodysmith Massage Therapy. Then he became a fun, wise and loving grandpa of his four grandchildren.
Mark is survived by his devoted wife, Beth, and their daughters, Mindy Romero (Ken) and Jody McSweeney (Keith), both of Iowa City; grandchildren, Sophia Romero, Ella Romero, Christopher McSweeney, and Cece McSweeney; and siblings, Celia Reynolds of Menlo, Iowa, and Marvin Smith (Judi) of Yale, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Vernon Smith and Kay Smith.
A service to celebrate Mark’s life will be held at 2 PM, January 3, 2026, at First Christian Church in Coralville, 900 Lincolnshire Pl., Coralville, Iowa.
“May flights of angels sing him to his rest.” - Shakespeare
Memorials may be directed to Open Heartland or Lewy Body Dementia Research Aldridge Lab.
Online condolences at www.lensingfuneral.com.
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