John Michael Smith, 89, of Epworth, Iowa passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Mercy One Medical Center in Dyersville, Iowa.

Friends and relative of John may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, IA, where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m.   Visitation will also be held after noon on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at the funeral home.

Services for John will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Caholic Church in Epworth, IA with Rev. Michael Shueller presiding.  Burial will be held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth with full Military honors by the Epworth American Legion John White Post #650.

His life revolved around the three F’s-Faith, Family and Farming.  He enjoyed a fun game of cards, a Bailey’s Irish cream at The Feedstore and a chance to tell stories of the old days.

He was born October 27, 1935, in Dubuque County, son of J. Cyril and Clara (Hannan) Smith.  He is a graduate of Epworth High School.  On October 15, 1960 he was united in marriage to Lois McDermott at St. John’s in Placid, Iowa.  She preceded in death on August 13, 2019.  The couple farmed in the rural Epworth area.  John also was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works for 31 years.

He was an Army Veteran, having served in the Army for two years. He was a member of the Epworth American Legion-John White Post #650 as well as a very active member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Epworth.

He is survived five children, Michael (Susan) Smith of St. Charles, MN, Sara (Mike) Brehm of Peosta, IA, Marty (Lori) Smith of Epworth, IA Peter (Rebecca) Smith of Cascade, IA, and Jenny Sandeen of Dyersville, IA;  33 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; his brother and sisters, Ray Smith of Plainfield, IN, Phyllis (Gary) Astgen of East Dubuque, IL, Kathy (Wally) Link of Dyersville, IA, Rita Benter of Dubuque, IA; in-laws, Darlene Sexton of Dubuque, IA, Bill Brown of Solon, IA, Donna Smith of Dubuque, IA; Dorrance (Verna) McDermott, Katie McDermott both of Epworth, IA, Phyllis (Darris) Goerdt of North Liberty, IA and Julie Casey of Placid, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Eugene Smith, Ann Brown, Dennis Smith, Pat Smith, and Dick Smith; two brothers-in-law, Neal McDermott, Dennis McDermott and Donald Casey; and sisters-in-law, Mary Catherine McDermott in infancy, and Chere Smith.

A John M. Smith memorial fund for masses has been established in lieu of flowers.

A video tribute may be viewed and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com