Joseph J. “Joe” Smith, age 73, of Peosta, IA, passed away suddenly on December 19, 2022, at home.  To honor Joe’s life, family and friends may gather in fellowship from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. for his memorial on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the Peosta Community Centre, 7896 Burds Road in Peosta.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Joe’s family.

Joe was born on May 8, 1949, in Dubuque, IA, to Joseph C. and Kathleen M. (Kennedy) Smith.  He grew up realizing that spending time in the outdoors was always going to be his happy place.  Joe graduated from Loras College and continued to remain in regular contact with his friends from those formative years over the next 50 years.  Joe met his soul-mate, Ann Marting, and their marriage was blessed with many wonderful years together, children and grandchildren to love and nurture, all while they dedicated their working years to running Splendid Valley Nursery.  Joe also owned Joe Smith Construction in his earlier years, and in his later years enjoyed the opportunity to do a little crop farming as time and energy allowed.  Joe and Ann enjoyed ATV riding on their property.  Joe was a committed husband, father, and grandfather who truly valued his family above all.  His work ethic was strong as his sense of humor was weak, but we always loved him for trying.  It’s difficult to describe the weight that burdens our broken hearts with the sudden absence of Joe from our daily lives.  We would give anything for the story to continue, but we are also grateful for the 73 years we were blessed with his larger-than-life presence and positive influence on our lives.  We know that Joe has missed his beloved Ann with an ever-increasing sense of loss and no doubt they are joyfully reunited again and catching up after their time apart.  Thank you, Joe, for leading by example, loving beyond measure, and leaving behind a legacy that will be evident in all of the lives of those who knew and loved you for generations to come.  May the Lord hold you securely now in His loving arms until we see you again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Joe include,

his three children,
Peter (Sherry) Smith, Portage, MI,
Emily (Chris) Habel, Bankston, IA,
and Kallie (Nick) Welter, Rickardsville, IA;

his seven adored grandchildren,
Xavior Evans, Audrey Habel, Madelyn Habel, Owen Habel, Abigail Welter, Raymond Welter, and Vincent Welter;

his siblings,
Dick (Joyce) Smith, Dubuque, IA,
Sue (Tom) Batell, LaCrosse, WI,
Ann (Kevin) Grogan, Cascade, IA,
and Jack (Maria) Smith, Epworth, IA;

his sisters-in-law,
Martha Smith, Dubuque, IA,
Cindy Fox-Booth, Olathe, KS,
and Carole Marting, Sun Valley, AZ;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Joe was preceded in death by his beautiful bride of 47 years, Ann (Marting) Smith; his parents; and his brother, Steve “Gomer” Smith.

Online condolences may be shared with Joe’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com