Smith, John Arthur

John Arthur Smith, 73, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully at home on Oct. 18, 2012, after a short courageous battle with cancer. The memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, conducted by the Rev. Dustin Vu and Frank Easton. Family will greet friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at the funeral home. There will be a private family burial at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

John was born March 12, 1939, in Stuart, Neb., the son of John Leslie and Francis Loretta Smith. He spent his early years in various small Nebraska towns before living in Atkinson, Neb. After graduating from St. Joseph's High School in 1958, he traveled to Cedar Rapids to work at Rockwell Collins. He retired from Rockwell in 1994, after 35 years.

John married Carol Ann Kille on Oct. 29, 1960, at St. Wenceslaus and they had 52 wonderful blessed years together.

He is survived by Carol; five very special and loved children, Karl (Pam) of Palo, Joe (Beth) of Fairfax, Steve (Joni) of Clive, Linda Noggle (Gary) of Robins and Tim of Cedar Rapids; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Ellen and Carolyn; one special brother-in-law, Ron Buikema of Morrison, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister; four sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law.

John was an avid Hawkeye fan. He enjoyed many outdoor activities, fishing and camping, and good times with all his wonderful and caring family and friends. Road trips were a must!

John took his final journey to be with deceased family and friends; those of us left behind will miss him and think of him often, but we know we will see him again someday. Until then, happy trails to you!

Instead of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published Oct. 19, 2012 in The Gazette