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Daniel Smith, 72, of Storm Lake died Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 at Careage Hills in Cherokee.
Memorial services will take place Saturday, Oct. 14, at 5 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Croix Hospice in Spencer, a cause that was close to Dan’s heart.
Dan was a beloved partner, father, sibling, uncle and friend who brought joy and laughter to all who knew him. Nothing personifies his legacy of cherished memories better than all the names he was known by: Danielson, Uncle Buck or just Buck, Danno, Smitty.
Born on Oct. 12, 1950, Dan's life was a testament to the power of love, connection and adventure. He was an avid traveler who found his greatest joy exploring the world alongside his life partner and best friend, Louise. Together, they embarked on countless journeys, collecting experiences, finding joy in nature and forging a bond that will forever remain unbreakable.
Family was of the utmost importance to Dan. He enjoyed spending quality time with his loved ones and making lasting memories through shared experiences. From holidays to simple gatherings, Dan’s warm presence and sense of humor illuminated every room he entered. He had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel like an immediate lifelong friend.
A huge fan of all types of music — except country — Dan’s soul lit up in the presence of captivating melodies. Whether it was as a lead singer in a fledgling rock band in high school, the thrill of attending concerts with his family and friends, or simply grooving to his favorite tunes, his passion for music was contagious. His vibrant spirit danced to the rhythm of life, and he encouraged those around him to do the same.
A dedicated sports fan, Dan’s heart belonged to the Hawkeyes and the Bears. He could be found cheering them on with enthusiasm while creating bonds with fellow fans that extended beyond the confines of the game. His passion for sports brought people together — minus the case of an inter-family Big 10 rivalry — and added a touch of camaraderie to every gathering.
In addition to his personal passions, Dan was deeply committed to his beloved community of Storm Lake. Serving as a city counselor, he dedicated his time and efforts to give back and make positive changes within his community. His commitment to public service showcased his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those around him.
In addition to his devoted partner and best friend, Louise Schmeling of Storm Lake, Daniel is survived by his children: Jennifer (Mark) Smith Wyatt of Iowa City; Erin (Greg) Bowers of Omaha, Neb.; Meghan (Andrew) Peters of Columbus, Ohio; step-children: Amanda (Nick) Ehret of Ankeny; Zachary (Amanda) Proczak of Storm Lake; grandchildren: Emmerson and Ashlin Peters; Benjamin and Theodore Ehret; Latavia and Natalia Tong; Harmony and Teo Rodriguez; siblings: Tom (Lori) Smith of Storm Lake; Patty (Paul) Mendlik of Waterloo, Neb.; Jerry (Anne) Smith of Storm Lake; Jim (Robyn) Smith of Thompson’s Station, Tenn.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Dan's departure leaves a void that can never truly be filled, but his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. His kindness, sense of humor and zest for life serve as an inspiration for us all to cherish our loved ones, embark on new adventures, and find joy in the simple pleasures of life, just as he did.
With heartfelt gratitude, we extend our deepest appreciation to the compassionate team at St. Croix Hospice. Your unwavering dedication, warmth and care provided Dan with comfort and support during his final days, ensuring his journey was filled with dignity, love and tranquility.
