Daniel "The Rev" Willard Smith

Daniel “The Rev” Willard Smith, age 72, of Coon Rapids, IA, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids with Rev. Bobbie Maltas officiating.  Lula Garnes will be the organist. Honorary casket bearers will be grandchildren, Joseph Dawson, Katherine Dawson, Zen Dawson, Amber Leigh Dawson, and his fur grandbaby, Canelo. Burial will be in the Union Township Cemetery near Coon Rapids at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com .

Danny was born on January 25, 1950, at St. Anthony’s Regional Hospital in Carroll, IA, the son of Willard Ward and Mary Louise (Danielson) Smith. He attended Coon Rapids Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1968. In his childhood, he was a member of the local 4-H club where he raised and showed State Champion Sheep, and won many awards. During high school, Danny excelled in football, and enjoyed raising a ruckus with his friends. After graduation, he attended DMACC in Boone where he received his Associates Degree. In April of 1976, he was united in marriage to Lisa Grethen. They were blessed with two children, Jeannie and Michael. He was employed with Keister Lumber Company in Coon Rapids where he drove dump and concrete trucks for several years. In the 1980’s, Danny moved in with his mother to help care for her until the time of her passing. Danny enjoyed having lunch with his friends at Chuck’s Place, and loved reminiscing with them about their younger years. But most of all, he cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren. You could often hear him say how fortunate he was to love and be loved by his community.

Danny is survived by a daughter, Jeannie (James) Dawson of Fort Dodge; a son, Michael (Lorena) Smith of Carroll; grandchildren: Joseph, Katherine, Zen, and Amber Leigh Dawson; fur grand-puppy, Canelo; sister, Margaret (Rich) Rogers of Woodward; niece, Michelle (Michael) Wald of Ankeny; and his only true love, Lisa Grethen-Bohn of Des Moines; as well as many wonderful and kind friends.

Danny was preceded in death only by his parents.