Smith, Orrin Lawrence

Orrin Lawrence Smith, 93, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, at his residence in Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, by Father David Beckman. The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion, where a parish vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his children, Colleen Hamilton (David) of Texas, Ron Smith (Jan) of Dubuque, Patricia Smith of California, Carol Smith (Daniel) of Marion, Ellen Eihausen of Fort Collins, Colo., Laurie Smith of Fort Collins, Colo., Orrin Smith (Nancy) of Coggon, and Ronald Godwin, husband of daughter Linda, who passed away in December 2010. There are 23 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.

Orrin was preceded in death by his wife, Rita; daughter, Linda Godwin; parents; three brothers and one sister.

Orrin was born Dec. 8, 1918, in Osterdock, Iowa, to Reginald Smith and Caroline (Wenzel) Smith. Rita and Orrin were married June 1, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa. Orrin was district manager for Prudential Insurance. Upon retirement, he and Rita opened Smith Manor Antiques in Anamosa.

Upon retirement, Orrin was an active member of the Golden Kiwanis. He also enjoyed attending auctions with his wife Rita, refinishing furniture, and above all spending time with his family. He will always be known for his beautiful voice, his passion for singing, especially the song “More,” and his beautiful smile.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Tammy Smith, his granddaughter, who tenderly cared for him, the staff at Cottage Grove Place, and Hospice of Mercy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or Hospice of Mercy.

Please sign the online guest book for Orrin at  under obituaries.

Published Jan. 2, 2012, in The Gazette