George Frederick 'Fred' Smith, 02 Oct 1948 - 19 Oct 2024

SMITH, HATTER, SPRAGUE

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 10/31/2024 at 15:35:01

George “Fred” Smith, 76, of Winthrop, IA, died due to cancer on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, IA.

Fred was born on October 2, 1948, in Sigourney, IA, the son of George M. and Maxine R. (Hatter) Smith. He grew up in North English, IA, and graduated from the North English High School in 1968. On December 15, 1970, Fred enlisted in the United States Army. He spent his time in the service as a Specialist, at Fort Lee, Virginia.

When he returned from the service he started working at the Amana Refrigeration Company in Amana, IA. While working there he made many friends and met Debbra Sprague, Fred and Debbra were married on May 24, 1975, at the United Methodist Church in Independence, IA. They made their home together in Vinton, IA, where they raised their two sons. In 1977, Fred started working for the Nash-Finch Company in Cedar Rapids, IA. He worked in the warehouse for thirty-two years. He finally retired in 2011.

Fred was an avid golfer. He and Debbie would often take their boys golfing in the summer and loved visiting zoos and museums. The Smith family have been long-time members of the Buffalo Creek Golf Course in Winthrop, IA. They spent so much time golfing in Winthrop they felt like it was home and in 1992 they moved to Winthrop, IA.

Fred enjoyed sports. He often took his sons to the Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball games. In 1992, Fred and Debbie moved to Winthrop, IA. He also was an avid collector of football, baseball, and basketball cards.

He is survived by his wife, Debbra Smith, of Winthrop, IA, and his son, Andy (Alison) Smith, of Cedar Rapids, IA.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, George and Maxine Smith, and a son Chad Smith.

Visitation will be held from 4 PM until 7 PM on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, at the Fremont Cemetery in Winthrop, IA.

Published in The Gazette on October 24, 2024.