Obituary

Gerald Wavern Smith
December 1, 1929 - August 5, 2017

Gerald Wavern Smith

Gerald Wavern Smith
Dec 1, 1929 - Aug 5, 2017

Gerald Wavern Smith
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Gerald W Smith of Ames died on August 5, 2017. Visitation services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, August 11, at the Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames, followed by 3:00 pm Memorial Services that will be followed by a reception. Private Burial services will be held for the family.

He was born in 1929 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Anthony and Marie Sorenson Smith. They later lived in Fort Dodge and Sioux City where he graduated from Central High School. He graduated with a BS degree in engineering from Iowa State University in 1952, and was employed by Collins Radio Co from 1952 to 1954. He served in the US Army from 1954 to 1956. In 1956 he returned to Iowa State University to pursue graduate study in engineering where he completed his MS in 1958, his PhD in 1961, and postgraduate study at Stanford University in 1962.

On June 13, 1958 he married Phyllis Seydel; their marriage was blessed with a son Brian. Gerald served as a faculty member of the Industrial Engineering Department of Iowa State University from 1956 to 1987. He was the author of "Engineering Economy: Analysis of Capital Expenditures" an engineering textbook published by the Iowa State University Press. His teaching included more than 2000 members of the Bell Telephone System over a 22-year duration, and he won national honors from the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and the Institute for Industrial Engineers.

He was a member of Collegiate Presbyterian Church, Sigma Nu Fraternity, ISU Alumni Association, ISU Memorial Union, Reiman Gardens, and other organizations. Playing tennis doubles was an important part of his early retirement years.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis of Ames, their son Brian and daughter-in-law Fazia Ali of Miami Beach, FL, sisters-in-law Lois Lorenz of Traer, IA, and Barbara Seydel of Rochester, MN; nieces Toni (Michael) Black of Quincy, IL, Jeri (Robert) Kenning of Evansville, IN, Linda (Larry) Johnson of Roland, IA, Lisa (Michael) Thompson of Traer, IA, and Lori (Ronald) Huebner of Evansville, IN, grandnephew David (Dana) Ludwig of Quincy, IL, and grandnieces, Kelli Kenning (Joseph) Day of Evansville, IN, and Catlin Thompson of Traer, IA.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gene F Smith, brothers-in-law Lyle Lorenz, and Kenneth Frey, and sisters-in-law Johnina Smith, Joyce Seydel, and Marjorie Frey.

Suggested Memorial Contribution recipients include Heartland Senior Services, the Ames Public Library, Collegiate Presbyterian Church, and Youth and Shelter Services.

Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Andy McRoberts on Aug 13, 2017

Gerry (Mr. Smith to me!) was always a kind and gentle sole. I remember many times visiting your home with my parents and with Brian. My sincerest condolences to all the family and to you dear Phyllis and Brian. You're always in my heart.

John Tamashunas on Aug 9, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about Gerry. My dad and him started at ISU in IE the same day. He was a good friend. Regards..John Tamashunas

Judi Kleinschmidt Van Alstine on Aug 8, 2017

Gerry and my dad both taught at ISU and his family and mine visited together often. I have good memories of him. He will be missed.

Kelli Day on Aug 7, 2017

May God wrap his arms around you and may you live in eternal peace. Your thoughtfulness and generosity to others will never be forgotten. I too remember being at your house long ago, and talking you you and Phyllis about teaching and education. I was always in awe of you and our conversations were so delightful. May God bless you. We love you!
Kelli Day and family

Dave Ludwig on Aug 7, 2017

God Bless you Uncle, you were a great man and so thoughtful. I have many great memories of being at your house as a little boy playing and you letting me get on your computer. You will be greatly missed, I just wish we could have seen each other more often. Now you are in Heaven with Gene and your mother celebrating looking down upon us. Thank you thank you thank you a million times for all you have done for our families. We love you.........."hugs and kisses" as you would say. Dave Ludwig, Quincy, IL

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Visitation

Aug
11
Friday
Collegiate Presbyterian Church
159 North Sheldon Ave
Ames, IA 50014
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM


Service

Aug
11
Friday
Collegiate Presbyterian Church
159 North Sheldon Ave
Ames, IA 50014
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM


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