Robert Smith
June 25, 1935 ~ June 8, 2017
Robert Leo 'Saude' Smith age 81 of New Hampton, IA, formerly of Lawler, died Thursday, June 8, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Lawler, with Rev. Kyle Digmann celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler where there will be a 7:30 p.m. Parish Scripture Service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday.
Robert Leo “Saude” Smith was born June 25, 1935 at the New Hampton Hospital in New Hampton, IA. He attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic School in Lawler and graduated from Lawler High School in 1953. After high school he attended Loras College in Dubuque before coming back to Lawler to help his father on the family farm. He married the love of his life, Patricia Seery on August 29, 1970 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Hampton. To this union four children were born. Saude was a seed corn and feed salesman for several companies for many years. Saude also worked at the Coop in Lawler.
Saude's family was his number one priority. He was truly a loyal friend who was always there to help people. He heavily supported all Turkey Valley Booster Events especially his children’s sporting events, along with the Wartburg College Baseball team. Volunteering was something that was very important to Saude. His faith was extremely important; and he was an active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Lawler where he often volunteered.
He is survived by one daughter, Kelli Stoler of Oelwein, IA; three sons, Jon (Angie) Smith of Iowa City, IA, Tom (Alicia) Smith of Lakeville, MN and Patrick (Jamie) Smith of Dike, IA, eleven grandchildren, Christian Stoler, Addy Smith, Egan Smith, Eviann Smith, Kenley Smith, Paisley Smith, Caffrey Smith, Seeri Smith, Jaelyn Smith, Linden Smith, Myah Smith; two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Kramer of Solon, IA and Mercedes (John) Petersen of California.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Patricia, on November 1, 1996; one brother, John Thomas in infancy; one brother-in-law, Cliff Kramer; one sister-in-law, Betty (Mike) Baum.
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Our thoughts are with you – to all of you kids your dad always had that great smile while he was hanging over the fence watching us play softball— Love and prayers Anne Blazek
I always cherished my talks with Robert Leo while I coached his boys, John and Tom and Puddy was my batboy! Great man! Will miss him! God Bless to the Smith Family!
So sorry for your loss ! Robert Leo was a wonderful person ! He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all !
There was never a bigger cheerleader for his kids, or any kids he knew. I can still hear from the Junko Park stands, a robust ‘Way to Fire Boys!’ Wonderful man with a huge heart. My condolances to Kelli, John, Tom and Patrick. Rest in Peace Saude, you were a great man!
Kelli, Jon, Tom, Patrick and families….I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. I always remember Saude at your sball/bball games. And he always had a smile on his face and would make time to talk to anyone. Driving by your farm, if he was ever outside we would always honk and he would always give us the biggest wave! You will all be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Jenny (Bohr) Gunderson and family
I’m very saddened to hear this! My prayers and thoughts go out to the whole entire Smith family! Saude was a one of a kind guy and will be deeply missed by many!!
Your loving cousin, Mary Baldwin purchased the Peaceful White Lilies Basket for the family of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith.
My prayers and sympathy go out to all of ‘Saude’s’ family at this time. Mrs. Jim (Sharon) Gansen.
So very sorry for your loss. Saude was a great friend to the Burns family….and to that of countless others. His legacy will live on.
Cletus And Doris Burke Ries lit a candle in memory of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith
Kelli, Patrick, John and Tom – So sorry to hear about your fathers passing. So many great memories. He was always so upbeat and positive. Amazing sense of humor. It was always my first request when I was little and visiting Lawler to go see him out on the farm. He always loved to remind me about the time I fell in the fresh concrete they just poured on the farm when I was little. He was the first one to give me a tractor ride. When I was a little older he invited me out to bale hay. In later years he was always there to help my mom. I am so glad I was able to see him earlier this year and get a chance to talk with him. He leaves a great legacy. Jeff Boji
So sorry to hear of Saude passing. Our sympathy to the family. Joe & Diana Gebel
Anne Curran lit a candle in memory of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith.
Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith.
Robert Leo was a staple to the Lawler landscape. He was authentic. Rarely without a smile. Always had you laughing within seconds of his handshake. He cared about all of us as kids growing up together alongside his own family. Whether it was trips to a ballpark, a pool or even a ride home he made sure we got there. Even if it meant making a few feed stops on the way. You could go without seeing him for months even a year or two. But the next visit seemed like yesterday. When Saude stopped to say hello, seemingly people gathered to do the same. Kelly, John, Tom and Patrick – your dad will be missed here but the party is just getting started somewhere else.
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith.
Little Hawk 14U Baseball Team purchased the With Deepest Sympathy Gift Basket for the family of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith.
Lori Hastert lit a candle in memory of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith
Your California cousins send our dearest condolences to you all, Kelli, Patrick, John and Tom. Uncle Saude was always larger than life to us. So funny, kind and full of love! A great man. Rest in peace with Aunt Patty.
Love Everlasting Bouquet was purchased for the family of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith.
Fiery Lily and Rose was purchased for the family of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith.
Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith.
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith.
To the family of Saude, we are very sorry for your loss and want to extend our thoughts and prayers to you. He always had a word and a smile for all, God rest his soul.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith.
So sorry for your loss. The Phyfe and Croatt families always enjoyed visiting with Robert Leo. He was a great guy.!
Our sincere sympathies go out to the Smith family. Robert Leo ‘Saude’ Smith was one of those gems that you find in life. Never without a smile and always having a minute to shoot the breeze. May he rest in peace. Ron and Rose O’Connell
Reggie, Terry, Courtney and I (Samuel) legitly thought his first name was Saude. He lived less than a mile from dads farm on the highway. We would ride out bikes down the road and knock on the door and patiently wait for him to tell stories and ask how our mother was and how your dad ‘REhne’ was doin. We always got a kick out of how he said dads name. It was always a joy spending time with this man and i know he always enjoyed seeing us. You will be missed, Samuel Reicks
To the family of Saudi Smith My sincere sympathy to all of you. Your Dad always greeted me with a smile and cheerful words. His kids were the apple of his eye.
Sincere condolences to all of the family. Your father has left quite a legacy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Charlie and Lynnette Rochford
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Carol Tousley
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith.
Deepest thoughts and prayers sent from our family to yours. We remember Saude smiling at his children and grandchildren with a warm presence. Our hearts ache for your loss. Love, the Webers
Our deepest sympathy to the Smith family. Saude always had a smile and a friendly hello whenever we happened to run into him.
My memories of Saude go way back to before I knew what a pleasant man I would come to know of him as. When I was a ‘kid’ at home on the farm, he and his dad would come and buy and load hay from my dad. The whole family would come and while Saude, his dad and my dad would load a bumper dragging load of hay on the pickup, his mom would visit with my mom. When the work was done they would pull up in the yard and visit at length some more and I knew this was an honest and good family by the way they would visit. And boy did they love to talk! In 1989, my wife and I became neighbors to him and he was probably one of the first to come and visit and welcome us! He will be surely missed as a fine individual and friend! God rest you Saude! Gerald Busta
Tim & Kellie Weber purchased the Blue Caribbean Bouquet for the family of Robert Leo “Saude” Smith.
My deepest condolences to Saude’s family. What a gem of a guy he was. I enjoyed our many visits throughout the years. I saw him not that long ago and he still had the nicest compliments given me. He even shared how much he missed not seeing me regularly like he used to at the store. When I used to work at Fareway in New Hampton he would always make sure he said hi and said I was the best worker there. Tried to always have me check out his groceries. He had a heart of gold and always asked about my mom and dad…knew them for years. I’m so glad we had a chance to visit one more time. I’ll always remember him with a smile. Heaven has gained a special angel. RIP Saude
So sorry to hear this Kelli. Mary Samuelson
Just heard from my sister this morning that Saude had passed away. I’m very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a wonderful guy and I very much enjoyed seeing and visiting with him over the years, especially when playing ball in Lawler. My thoughts and sympathies are with all of you during this time.
The family of Saude Smith….our condolences to all of you in the loss of your father. Saude and Pat were great parents! Saude was always very kind to our children when we lived in Lawler. Family of Darrel Lang
JUST SAW THE OB FOR ROBERT LEO. GREAT GUY. MY FAMILY GREW UP IN THE 1960S AS NEIGHBORS.MY MOTHER TOLD ALL FOUR OF US BOYS THAT EVERY TIME SHE SAW ROBERT LEO,HE WOULD ALWAYS STOP AND GREET HER BY HER FIRST NANE. SHE ALWAYS TOLD US THAT IF WE WOULD GROW UP WITH THAT MUCH ABILTY TO UNDERSTAND OTHERS,SHE WOULD BE HAPPY. DON KOUT,CLASS OF 1957.LAWLER HIGH SCHOOL.
To the family of Robert ‘Saude’ Smith, please accept my condolences on his passing. Leslie Franzen