CHARLES “CHUCK” SMITH

The memorial service for Charles “Chuck” Smith was 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 29, 2022 at the First Lutheran Church of Britton. Rev. Terrill Sorensen officiated and inurnment was at the Trondhjem Cemetery of rural Veblen, SD.

A visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Charles Howard Smith was born May 24, 1939 in Carroll, IA. Chuck’s father left when he was an infant and his mother’s parents didn’t think a single woman should raise three kids on her own. They arranged for Chuck’s sister to live with an aunt and uncle while he and his brother Marvin were taken to St. Anthony’s orphanage in Sioux City, IA. About age 89 Chuck was then transferred to Boys Town in Omaha, NE where he lived until he graduated high school.

He joined the Army Reserves while in high school and went to Fort Leonardwood, MO for basic training after graduation. Chuck was a member of the reserves for 6 years. During this time his brother Marvin encouraged him to attend the University of Iowa and helped to pay his way. Chuck said he never really enjoyed life there and ended up going to college at SDSU where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. After college he took a job working for a ranch in Brown County.

A few years later he got a job working for Thorpe Ranch near Britton, SD where he met the love of his life, Dianne Zimmerman. He and Dianne married on September 6, 1969. Together they had three boys, Mike, Bob and Chris. When the boys were very young, Chuck lost his arm in a farming accident. Being the strong man he was, he never let that slow him down. He continued to drive a manual feed truck and later built fan clutches for semis. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed making elaborate clocks, shelves and pictures with delicate wood cuts. He never considered himself handicapped and never asked for special treatment.

In 2017 cancer stole Dianne from him after 47 years together. Chuck made the decision to move from his home to Spruce Court Assisted Living in Britton, which he jokingly called jail, in 2019. He also independently decided to hand in his keys when he felt it was time for him to give up driving. Chuck was the kind of man who knew his value went beyond physical capabilities. He never felt that riding shotgun hampered his independence, and in fact quite enjoyed the chance for a good conversation. Despite all he went through in his life, he was always kind, patient, and forgiving. He put his family first and showed his sons how to be a good man, to care for people, and work hard.

Chuck passed away on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at his son’s home in Britton. He was 83 years old.

Thankful for having shared his life are his sons Mike (Susan), Bob, and Chris (Paula); grandchildren: Angie (Alex) Hannasch, Tucker (Emily) Smith, Turner Smith; and great-grandsons Wyatt and Hunter Hannasch.

Chuck was preceded in death by his mom Clara Loxtercamp Smith, his brother Marvin and wife Dianne.

Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Michael and Susan Smith – 42848 108th St. – Britton, SD 57430.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. pricefuneralchapel.net.