Smith Funeral Home & Crematory

09/03/2026

Linda Jo Winchell

Linda was born July 6, 1952, at the Grinnell Community Hospital to Merle (Gordy) and Doris (Lauber) Winchell. She grew up in Malcom IA, attending Malcom School through 6th grade and graduated from BGM High School in Brooklyn. She was employed by GTE/Verizon Telephone Company, retiring after 37 years of service.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Mike, sister Debra, paternal grandparents Ralph and Hazel Winchell, maternal grandparents Henry and Pearl (Young) Lauber, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Survived by her sister, Diane Criswell, her nieces and nephews and their families, Michelle (Jason) Van Zante, (Tyler (Brianna) Van Zante, Megan Van Zante), Brad (Melissa) Criswell, (Joel (Erin) Criswell, (Dani, Iris, Ezra, Charlie), Robbie (Nohemi) Criswell), Jessica (Alex) Wynn, (Layla and Carys Wynn), Jeff (Tiffany) Criswell, (Hadley, Clayton and Hudsyn Criswell,) several aunts and many cousins.

She enjoyed country music, especially the Oak Ridge Boys. She was also a sports fan and enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and Indiana Fever. A highlight she had was taking a trip to Hawaii with her brother and sister. Spending time with family brought her joy, especially the holidays. Some of her hobbies over the years were cross stitching, crocheting, league bowling, baking and attending activities of her nieces and nephews. The last couple of years she had been living at the Hammond Center and then for the last 6 weeks she was at Windsor Manor in their Memory Care.

Per her wishes, she has been cremated and will be buried at the Hazelwood Cemetery.

A special thank you to all those who have cared for her over the last 2 years including those at the Grinnell Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Park Centre, Windsor Manor and especially those from Hammond Center who came to visit her in her final days.

Memorials may be designated to the St. Francis Manor Foundation, mailed in c/o Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.

View Linda Jo Winchell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/02/2026

Shannon Deppe

Shannon Deppe, 55, of Grinnell, Iowa, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Rock Creek Cemetery west of Grinnell. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family on the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory website at www.smithfh.com.

Shannon Paul Deppe was born on January 4, 1971, in Newton, Iowa, to Gerald and Karla Deppe. He was a 1990 graduate of Grinnell High School. He never knew a stranger and had a special gift for making himself at home wherever life took him. He had a knack for adapting to his surroundings and connecting with the people around him. Throughout his life, Shannon lived in several different states, but Iowa always remained home, and he eventually found his way back.

Shannon will be remembered for his easygoing nature, his ability to make friends wherever he went, and the unique way he brought his own spirit to every place and every group of people he encountered.

Shannon will be lovingly remembered by his brother, Eric (Mindy) Deppe; niece, Mariah Deppe; nephew, Logan Deppe; brother, Joe (Leslie) Sawyer; and nephew, AJ (Jamie) Sawyer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Karla Deppe.

View Shannon Deppe's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/02/2026

Larry Vogel

Larry Vogel, 84, of Malcom, died on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Windsor Manor in Grinnell.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Casual dress is requested by the family. His family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Brooklyn. A luncheon will follow at the Michael J. Manatt Community Center in Brooklyn.

Memorials may be designated to Suncrest Home Health and Hospice or to the Malcom Volunteer Fire Department, mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Larry’s family online at www.smithfh.com.

Lawrence Francis “Larry” Vogel was born on November 8, 1941, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Frank and Jeanette (Holoubek) Vogel. He was raised on the family farm north of Malcom and graduated from Brooklyn High School with the Class of 1960. Following high school, Larry farmed alongside his father for a few years.

On December 28, 1963, Larry was united in marriage to Rita White at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brooklyn. Together, they were blessed with three children: Jeffrey Lawrence, Micheal John, and Laurie Ann. Larry and Rita made their home on a farm south of Malcom, where they raised their family and farmed for many years.

Farming was more than an occupation for Larry; it was a way of life that he truly loved. He raised cattle and hogs and grew corn, soybeans, oats, and hay. He enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and was a longtime member of Farm Bureau. Larry and Rita passed their love of farm life on to their children, who learned the value of hard work and how to care for animals by working alongside their parents.

In the spring of 1984, Larry and Rita held a farm sale and moved into Malcom. Larry went on to drive a school bus, work for the Town of Malcom and Grinnell College, and later worked at Kinze Manufacturing, where he eventually retired. Even in retirement, Larry enjoyed staying busy and worked seasonally at the local cooperative.

Larry treasured the family’s trips north to the lakes, a tradition that continued for more than 40 years. He enjoyed the opportunity to relax, spend time with family, and, of course, fish. Fishing and collecting fishing lures were longtime interests of his.

Above all, Larry loved his family. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events, dance recitals, and plays. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him tremendous joy and could always bring a big smile to his face, along with plenty of hugs and kisses. Larry even had a special place in his heart for the dogs they brought to visit him—Archer, Mabel, Sawyer, Rhett, Henry, Hoyt, and Roxie. Having always had dogs on the farm, he enjoyed their companionship throughout his life.

Larry was also an avid racing fan and enjoyed NASCAR stock car racing, and Hot Wheels. He faithfully followed Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball and was a Kansas City Chiefs football fan. He also took great pride in keeping his yard looking its best. For Larry, mowing the lawn was never a chore.

Larry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rita Vogel of Malcom; two sons, Jeff (Dianne) Vogel of Tiffin, Iowa, and Mike (Lori) Vogel of Malcom; a daughter, Laurie (Greg) Jansen of Malcom; his grandchildren, Jamie (Andy DeAngelo) Vogel of Grinnell, Jayde (Dakota) Vogel of Osceola, Wisconsin, Tanner (Lexi) Jansen of Brooklyn, Maddie (Colton) Major of Newton, Iowa, Kaylee (Kobey Eaker) Vogel of Tiffin, and Kyle Vogel of Tiffin; his great-grandchildren, Makenzie, Jacob, and Jaxon DeAngelo of Grinnell, Blakely Jansen of Brooklyn, and Miles Major of Newton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Jeanette Vogel; and his brother, Jim Vogel.

08/31/2026

Beverly Ann Creps

Beverly Ann (Korns) Creps, 96, of Grinnell and formerly of Brooklyn, IA, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026 at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell.

A funeral service will be held 10:30 AM, on Friday, September 4, 2026 at the Brooklyn First Presbyterian Church with interment at Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery. A luncheon will be held back at the church following the burial.

Visitation hours will begin at 12:00 PM on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, with family present from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial contributions may be designated to the First Presbyterian Church or the St. Francis Manor Foundation. Cards and memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Beverly was born on January 22, 1930, on a farm north of Brooklyn, Iowa, to Nelson Rowland Korns and Celia Kathryn (Gritsch) Korns. She grew up on the family farm alongside her two younger brothers, Charles and Marvin. From an early age, Bev enjoyed farm life, especially driving tractors and spending time outdoors.

Bev graduated from Hartwick Community School in Hartwick, Iowa, in 1947. She continued her education at Iowa State Teachers College, now the University of Northern Iowa, and began her career as an educator. She later completed her teaching degree at Drake University. Bev devoted 36 years to teaching elementary school, touching the lives of generations of students. Following her retirement in 1993, she continued sharing her love of learning by tutoring for several years.

On June 18, 1950, Bev was united in marriage to Francis “Fuzzy” Creps at the Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, where she remained an active member for many years. Bev and Fuzzy were blessed with two daughters, Kathryn “Katie” Marie and Mary Lee. Their family also welcomed AFS exchange students Michele and Franca into their home. Bev and Fuzzy farmed near Brooklyn until 1968, when they built a home in Brooklyn.

In 2015, Bev moved to Seeland Park in Grinnell. She later moved to the Hammond Center for assisted living in 2019 and became a resident of St. Francis Manor in 2023. Bev and her family were grateful for the wonderful care she received throughout her years at these communities.

Above all, Bev cherished her family and friends. She was especially proud of her four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Over the years, she loved attending their ballgames, school activities, and other events. More recently, she treasured opportunities to gather with her family for holidays and special occasions.

Bev enjoyed tending to her plants and flowers, traveling with family and friends, sewing and making quilts, playing cards, attending retired teachers’ coffees, and reading. She was also a faithful sports fan who enjoyed cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes.

Beverly is survived by daughters Kathryn “Katie” Ghent of Fairfield and Mary (Joe) Vaverka of Pella; an AFS daughter, Michele (Scott) Montgomery of Belgium; grandchildren, Jawnica (Jon) Kettler of Pella, Jacob (Regina) Vaverka of Pella, Mallori Ghent of Marshalltown, Wilson (Sage) Ghent of Fairfield; two sisters-in-law, Martina Korns of Brooklyn, IA and Marion Korns of Bella Vista, AK; great grandchildren: Isaiah, Owen, Sam Kettler, Aiden, Addilyn, Mason Vaverka, Ledger and Rowan Ghent; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, Fuzzy in 2004; her parents; brothers, Charles and Marvin; her niece Marcea Korns; sisters-in-law, Clovis Smith and Hazel Williams.

View Beverly Ann Creps's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/24/2026

Stuart Scott, 62, of Lake Ponderosa near Montezuma, Iowa, died at his home on Sunday, August 23, 2026, under the care of UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Hospice.

No services will be held. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with cremation.

Stuart Mace Scott was born on April 11, 1964, in Hammond, Indiana, the son of Virgil Lester Scott, Jr. and Clara Maude (Stephenson) Scott. Growing up, Stuart lived in several different locations as his father’s work in the oil and gas industry took the family to various communities.

On July 12, 2001, Stuart was united in marriage to Keri Ann Burdette at Sheridan United Methodist Church north of Grinnell. The couple made their home at Lake Ponderosa near Montezuma.

Stuart had a genuine love for helping others and enjoyed visiting with the many people he met through his work. He became a familiar and friendly face in the Grinnell community through his years working at Ace Hardware and Starnes TV and Appliance. He was always willing to lend a hand and took pride in helping customers find what they needed.

In their free time, Stuart and Keri enjoyed camping together. Some of their favorite moments were the simple ones—relaxing at the campsite and spending evenings sitting around the campfire together.

Stuart is survived by his wife, Keri of Lake Ponderosa; his mother, Clara Scott of Grinnell; his sister, Renee (Trevor) Feltner of Channelview, Texas; and his sister-in-law, Carol Scott of Grinnell. He was preceded in death by his father and his brother, Steven Scott.

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08/23/2026

Gary Maring

Gary Maring, 91, of Grinnell, Iowa, passed away on August 21, 2026, at the Mayflower Community Health Care Center in Grinnell.

Gary Copeland Maring was born, to Charles E. and Ruth M. (Copeland) Maring on October 10, 1934. He was the youngest of four children and grew up on the family farm in Grinnell, north of 16th Avenue and east of the railroad tracks. He attended country school at the corner of Penrose Street and 16th Avenue, then junior high and high school in the building now known as Hotel Grinnell. He graduated from Drake University with a degree in finance and served in the Army Reserves. Gary worked for Standard Oil as an agent overseeing home and service station deliveries, and later monitored finances for International Harvester.

In 1959, Gary married Sally Benson. They were married 66 years. Their marriage was a true example of lifelong love, devotion, and friendship. In Sally’s final years he was her ever present and loving caregiver. His love for Sally never faltered.

In 1966, Gary and Dave Benson (Sally’s brother), took over operation of the Benson turkey farm located south of Grinnell across from what is now Grinnell Motors and retired in 1996. He later worked at Grinnell’s first cell phone store and repaired sewing machines before declining vision led him to fully retire. Although his vision loss was challenging, he still found opportunities for new paths forward.

Gary was a gentle, loving father to his three daughters, Kimberly, Pamela, and Jennifer. His children and grandchildren brought him his greatest joy, and he remained an active, guiding presence in their lives. A friend to many, Gary was always ready to lend a hand without expecting anything in return. Remarkably intelligent and endlessly curious, he was always imagining better ways to do things. He had great wit and a dry sense of humor. Conversations with Gary were engaging and full of insight.

A private family service will be held at the Pleasant Township Cemetery in Ewart.

Memorial contributions may be designated to the Mayflower Community Human Needs Fund and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Gary’s family at www.smithfh.com.

Gary is survived by his three daughters, Kimberly (Terry) Pickett of Grinnell, Pamela (Owen) McClure of Fountain Hills, Arizona, and Jennifer (Ben) Zeigler of Gilbert, Iowa; six grandchildren, Kelsey (Ryan) Brandt, Katie Hardeman, Meredith McClure, Zachary McClure, Kylie Zeigler, and Sydney Zeigler; and great-grandchildren Beckett Brandt, Hadley Brandt, Cohen Kriegel, Maren Kriegel, and Asher Bernstein. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally; his parents, Charles and Ruth Maring; his brothers Charles Jr. and Robert Maring, sister Barbara (Sal) McKinnon and his granddaughter, Matilyn McClure.

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08/20/2026

Verna Gerrish Funeral Service

08/18/2026

Lela McGinnis

Lela McGinnis, 95, of Grinnell died at Brooklyn Community Estates on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 21, 2026 at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated to PALS (Poweshiek Animal League Shelter) and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Lela’s family online at www.smithfh.com.

Lela June McGinnis was born on May 28, 1931, in Newton, Iowa to Roy David Van Meter and Bess (Craven) Van Meter. She was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1949.

On February 11, 1950, Lela was united in marriage to Thomas Johnson. Lela moved to England with their daughter, Sherry while Tom was serving in the military. Their time together was cut short when Tom passed away on February 11, 1956. Later that year, on November 17, 1956, Lela was united in marriage to Ailey “Jack” McGinnis. They made their home in Grinnell, where Lela worked as a housekeeper at the Best Western for 17 years.

Lela enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, including dancing, reading, embroidery, and trips to Meskwaki Casino. Above all, her family was most important to her. She dearly loved her children, grandchildren, and extended family and especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s activities and being a part of the special moments in their lives.

Lela lived a long life marked by hard work, perseverance, and a deep devotion to her family. Through the joys and hardships she experienced over the years, she remained strong and carried on with determination. She will be remembered for the life she built, the family she loved so dearly, and the many memories she leaves behind.

Lela is survived by her children, Sherry (Ed) Roach of Rock Creek Lake, Susan (Pete) Goodrich of Malcom, Debra Johnson of Grinnell, and William “Bill” (Robin) McGinnis of Grinnell; daughter-in-law, Debbie Johnson of Grinnell; sister-in-law, Patricia Johnson of Grinnell; her grandchildren, Doug (Missy) Cupples, Jason (Danette) Cupples, Jeremy (Andrea) Goodrich, Lisa (Ryan) Dickinson, Heather Goodrich, Daniel Johnson, Cole (Nikki) Johnson, JaDee (Jerome) Knight, Cody Johnson, Carrie Johnson, and Kendall McGinnis; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Thomas Johnson; husband, Jack McGinnis; daughter, Hope McGinnis in infancy; her son, Paul Johnson; and her sister, Mary Herbrandt.

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08/18/2026

John Rose

John Rose, 73, of Malcom died at his residence of natural causes on Monday, August 17, 2026.

A private family graveside service was held at Hazelwood Cemetery on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Memorials may be designated to Drake Community Library and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.smithfh.com.

John Steven Rose was born on August 27, 1952 in Grinnell, Iowa to Harold and Ida (Davenport) Rose. He was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1970.

Following his education, John worked at FarmHand in Grinnell. He moved to North Carolina and lived there several years before moving to Grinnell. He worked for many years as a CNC operator at Thombert’s in Brooklyn.

John enjoyed riding his BMW motorcycle, bicycling, and spending time on his computer. He also enjoyed spending time with friends at the Pour House in Malcom and valued the many friendships he made throughout the years.

John is survived by his sisters-in-law, Cindy Davis of Malcom, Kathi Rose of Ely, IA, and Cathie Rose of Grinnell; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, James, Keith and Harold Rose.

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08/17/2026

Karen Faye Ford

Karen F. (Morrison) Ford, 76, of Grinnell, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Solon Nursing Care Center in Solon, Iowa.

Family will greet friends at an open house gathering from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Smith Funeral Home - Grinnell. A private interment will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.

If desired, memorial contributions may be designated to Suncrest Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association. Cards and memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Karen Faye Morrison was born on July 26, 1950, in Grinnell, Iowa. She was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1968.

On March 19, 1971, Karen was united in marriage to Gerald Ford. The couple made their home in Grinnell, where they raised their two sons, William and Robert. Karen held various administrative positions with local businesses, including GTE and Grinnell Mutual, before retiring in 2014.

Karen enjoyed gardening, reading murder mystery novels, and crafting. Her family was often the recipient of her many craft projects, including cherished Halloween costumes she created over the years. Above all, Karen loved her family and especially enjoyed following her children and grandchildren in their many activities.

Karen is survived by her husband, Gerald Ford; her sons, William (Heather Benning) Ford and Robert (Jennifer) Ford; her grandchildren, Dani, Braxton, and Lilian Ford; and her siblings, Linda Conner and Daryl (Connie) Morrison.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Junior William Morrison and Margaret Lellus Durr Clark; and her brother-in-law, Larry Conner.