Wayne Smidt, age 85 of Lake View, IA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake, IA. Wayne was born on April 9, 1940, to parents Theodore and Mary (Schwartz) Smidt in Sac County, IA. He was welcomed home by his sister, Donna, and later became a big brother to Ronald. He was baptized on May 5, 1940, at Emanuel-St. John Lutheran Church in Lytton, IA, and later confirmed there on April 11, 1954. Wayne grew up on a farm outside of Sac City. He attended country school and later, Lake View-Auburn School in town. He graduated from Lake View-Auburn High School with the class of 1960. In his younger years, Wayne made his mark on the basketball court, where he proudly scored 1,900 points during his high school varsity career.
After graduation, Wayne went to work as a school bus driver for a few years before being drafted into the United States Army. He also helped his father on the farm. Wayne served in the Army from May 7, 1963, until being honorably discharged on May 6, 1965, having spent most of that time overseas in Korea.
On June 11, 1967, Wayne married Donna Raye Morenz at the Zion Lutheran Church in Auburn, IA. This union was blessed with three children, Andrea, Aaron, and Alissa. They made their home together in Lake View where they have lived in the same house ever since. Wayne’s love for his family was at the center of who he was. He never missed a chance to tell them how proud he was, and he lived every day with them in mind. Wayne joyfully attended his grandchildren’s events any chance he got. His family meant the world to him.
Wayne took great pride in his home and yard, caring for them with the same dedication he showed in every part of his life. He enjoyed fishing and pheasant hunting and after he retired, found the game of golf, which quickly became a favorite. He always looked forward to daily neighborhood coffee time and loved playing cards. He could also be found enjoying time just sitting on his patio, enjoying the scenery.
Wayne and Donna took several trips over the years but going to Alaska was one of the most memorable. On their 40th wedding anniversary the whole family took a trip to Lake of the Ozarks; something both he and Donna have cherished ever since. Being able to have all of their children and their families together in one place was absolutely the best anniversary present ever!
Wayne served on the volunteer fire department for many years and was a member of the American Legion. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather and had many friends who loved him as well. All those who knew and loved him will miss him dearly. His steady presence, loyalty to others, and kind ways will always be remembered.
Left to cherish his memory include his wife of fifty-eight years, Donna Smidt of Lake View, IA; children Andrea (Robert) Partin of Houston, TX, Aaron (Kelly) Smidt of Rockwell City, IA, and Alissa (Jason) Strelow of Waterloo, IA; grandchildren: Kyle and Reagan Partin, Bryce and Madysen Smidt, Raelynn, Carley, Kennedy, and Olivia Strelow, and step granddaughter Abby Strelow; brother Ronald (Judy) Smidt of Urbandale, IA; sister Donna Weinzetl of New Market, IA; brothers-in-law: Dwight Morenz of Lake City, IA, Joel (Carole) Morenz of Pueblo, CO, James Morenz of Pueblo, CO, and Gene (Cheryl) Morenz of Pueblo, CO; sisters-in-law: Judy (Bill) Vote of Auburn, IA, Gert Drost of Lake View, IA, Diane (Bruce) Seymour of Adel, IA, and Pat Morenz of Carroll, IA; many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Mary Smidt; parents-in-law Albert and Elma Morenz; brothers-in-law Pete Rowen, Donald Weinzetl, Bert Morenz, and Virgil Drost; sisters-in-law Frances Morenz and Joan Morenz.
