Gary Fredrick Smith

Gary Fredrick Smith – Age 91 of Newton, Iowa passed away on Saturday April 5, 2025 at Park Centre in Newton, Iowa. Gary was born on June 2, 1933, in Grinnell, Iowa to Carl and Velma (Butler) Smith. On April 13th, 1952, he was united in marriage to Shirley L (Tice) Smith at the Chester Church north of Grinnell, Iowa. Gary and Shirley made their home in Newton and were blessed with four children, Daniel, David, Cynthia and Amy.

Garyy left school after the 8th grade to go to work to help support his struggling family. At a young age, he recognized and boldly pursued entrepreneurial opportunities in Newton. He began by working hard at Maytag then convinced a local banker to loan him money for a gas station (Smith’s Conoco) even though he had no money down! From there he ventured into the equipment rental industry forming Smith Quality Rental soon followed by the storage space industry forming Space Rental and Rental Space Inc. These businesses focus on being an important member of our community and continue to be family owned and operated. Gary was also proud to be an owner in Giovanni’s for many years.

Gary and his family loved boating on Lake Red Rock and had the first houseboat on the lake! He later spent 39 years houseboating on the Mississippi River. Numerous friendships and memories were formed with these boating adventures. Gary was a member of the Army National Guard where he proudly prepared to serve his country. He was a member of the Jasper County Men’s Bowling League for most of his younger adult life. He enjoyed memberships with the Izaac Walton League of Newton and the American Legion.

Gary is survived by his children David A. Smith, Cynthia (Scott) Dittmer, and Amy (Chad) Ray. His many grandchildren Kelly Smith, Melissa (Josh) Peterson, Chelsea Smith, Taylor Smith, Skyler Smith, Shauna Smith, Joel (Raquel) Tolentino, Joshua (Ashley) Kingery, Shawn Dittmer, Lillie Ray and Peyton Ray. 14 Great Grandchildren and 5 Great-Great grandchildren. Gary also leaves behind his very special friend Mary Jo Campbell.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife Shirley L (Tice) Smith, a son Daniel L Smith, his brother Henry Butler, sister Darlene (Van) Davis and his parents.

A special heart-felt thank-you to all the staff of Park Centre and Wesley Life Hospice that made the past few difficult months more bearable. Their kindness and sincerity will be forever appreciated by the entire family!

A time of visitation is planned at Pence-Reece Funeral home on Wednesday April 9th from 5pm– 7pm. A memorial service is planned for Thursday April 10th at 10:00 a.m. A Facebook Live broadcast will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the Funeral Home Facebook page. A luncheon at the American Legion in Newton will follow the service. Following the luncheon there will be a burial at the Chester Cemetery north of Grinnell, IA.

In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to Park Centre Memory Care or Wesley Life Hospice.