Michael Edward Smith, Sr., 83, of Bedford, Iowa, passed away on April 23, 2026, at the Clarinda Regional Health Center.
Michael, son of Gail Alan Smith and Elizabeth Ida (Ripperger) Smith, was born on March 26, 1943, in Denver, Colorado.
Michael, Sr., served his county as a soldier with the United States Army. He met Sandra Lee Thorne and later were married in Des Moines. They welcomed a daughter while Michael was serving his country and decided that they would give her up for adoption. Later they would add to their family two daughters and two sons.
Following Michael’s return from his military service, he was a handy man and would take various side jobs to make ends meet. He did a lot of roofing jobs as well as repairman jobs. In 1977, Michael decided he would open his own shop, Mike’s Radiator Shop, where he would operate it until he sold it in 2006. He was able to retire and enjoyed his favorite past time of fishing. He was also good at fixing a broken fishing pole as well!
Michael was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
Surviving Michael is his children, Tina Smith Dorbusch of Bedford, Mike Smith, Jr. of Clarinda, Monnie Smith of New Market and Teresa (Brent) O’Dell of New Market; several grandchildren; siblings, Gayle Thompson, Calvin Smith, Sr., Monia Clarkson, Dennis Smith and Tom (Cindy) Smith; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
No funeral services will be held. Arrangements were entrusted to the Nodaway Valley Funeral Home of Clarinda.
