Frederick William (Bill) Smith, 92, of Fort Madison, IA, and formerly of Niota, IL, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in Burlington, IA.
Bill was born on May 21, 1934, in Fort Madison, IA, the son of Fred G. and Rose Mary (Penrod) Smith. He married Ruth Ann Morris on September 14, 1953. Though they divorced in 1976, they maintained a close, enduring friendship throughout the years, and she survives. On November 1, 1996, he married Faith Kenel, who preceded him in death in 2017.
Bill’s distinguished career in the paper manufacturing industry began in 1951 at the Hinde & Dauch Paper Company in Fort Madison. Through hard work and dedication, he steadily rose through the ranks at Crandon Paper Mill, serving as a Mill Hand, Pulp Worker, Shift Supervisor, and Mill Manager. He ultimately retired in 2000 as the General Manager of 4M Paper.
A dedicated public servant and community leader, Bill served in the Iowa Army Reserves, was a member of the Hancock County Board of Supervisors and served on the board of directors for The State Bank of Nauvoo. In 1965, Bill was instrumental in collaborating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct the levees designed to protect his beloved hometown of Niota from the Mississippi River. Even when the levees were initially compromised, Bill worked tirelessly to advance their construction to ensure the town would be safeguarded from future devastating floods—a structural legacy that successfully protects the community to this day. He held a lifelong love for the Mississippi River—fishing its waters, boating along its shores, and finding joy in its ever-changing nature. This deep connection to the land and water began early in his life; as a young man, Bill spent cherished time alongside his grandfather William “Buck” Penrod planting numerous trees north of Niota, leaving a living testament to his dedication to the local landscape.
Bill was a devoted member of Holy Family Parish, where he actively contributed his time and talents to the Eucharistic Ministry, Altar Service, and the Building Committee. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.
A man of many talents, Bill was an avid builder who constructed five homes for his family, as well as a grocery store for his parents in Niota, which today serves as the Nauvoo State Bank building. His days were richly filled with cooking, growing beautiful flowers and fresh food, tracing his family history through ancestry research, and fishing. Above all, the time he spent with his family was what he cherished most.
He is survived by his three children: Shari (Thomas) Wiseman of Lake Forest, IL; Shain (Nancee) Smith of Fort Madison, IA; and Shelli (Carl) Koestner of Louisville, KY. He is also survived by three granddaughters, Kate (Daniel) Burke, Nichole Smith, and Alexandria Koestner; two step-granddaughters, Kesha (Scott) Booth and Lexi (Jesse) Day, two great-granddaughters, Reid and Rory Burke; step-great-granddaughters Sydney and Charli Day, Georgia Booth; and step-great-grandsons Wyatt Day and Sam Booth.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Rose Smith, his wife Faith, and his sister, Rose Marie Mayer.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 9:30 -10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church. A Memorial Mass will follow at 10:30 AM with Reverend Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House and online condolences may be left for the family at the King-Lynk Funeral Home website.
