Josephine Norma Smith, 97, of Postville, Iowa died Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, Iowa. Josephine was born January 25, 1922 to Ole and Anna (Erickson) Loftsgard in Gunder, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed in Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder, Iowa. She attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Postville High School. She then taught country school until she was married.
Josephine was united in marriage with Rodney Ira Smith on June 18, 1941 at Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder, Iowa. Eight children were born to this union. Josephine loved being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother to her family. She was a talented artist who loved drawing using charcoal and also wrote two genealogy books.
Over the years she loved going to activities of her family and spending time with them. Josephine was a beautiful example of faith and love to all who knew her. Everyone looked forward to spending their special time with her. She would send birthday cards and anniversary cards to every member of her family. She enjoyed bible studies and playing cards. She had a beautiful smile and gave wonderful hugs.
Josephine is survived by her children, Margaret (Edward) Krambeer of Luana, Iowa, David (Carolyn) Smith of McGregor, Iowa, Donald Smith of Chaska, Minnesota, Marilyn (James) Lenth of Castalia, Iowa, Mavis Chevalier of Boston, Massachusetts, Douglas (Patricia) Smith of Ankeny, Iowa, Melody (Gary) Nims of Redfield, Iowa and Marsha (Gary) Landsgard of Postville, Iowa; twenty-four grandchildren; sixty-six great-grandchildren and fourteen great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney Smith on November 24, 2007; parents, Ole and Anna Loftsgard; one granddaughter, Brenda Krambeer; daughter-in-law, Linda Smith; brother, Orlando (Eleanor) Loftsgard; and a sister, Aldora (Mike) Anderson.
Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 8 pm on Friday, January 24, 2020 at Community Presbyterian Church, Postville, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Community Presbyterian Church, Postville, Iowa with Rev. Kate Rupert as the officiant.
Burial will follow at Postville Cemetery. Postville, Iowa.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Community Presbyterian Church in Postville, Iowa and Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, Iowa.