Dennis Harold Smith, 75, of Le Mars, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at his home.

A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Presbyterian United Church of Christ of Le Mars with Pastor Jan Christensen officiating. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m., all on Monday, January 15, 2024 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars.  Expressions of sympathy maybe directed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Le Mars or Hospice of Siouxland.

Dennis was born on October 20, 1948 in Cherokee, IA to Harold and Mabel (White) Smith. Dennis began his education in Cherokee until his family moved to Le Mars where he finished high school.  Dennis continued his education at Westmar College and graduated with a degree in education.  While earning his degree, Dennis played football for the Westmar Eagles.  He married his high school sweetheart, Linda (Kehrberg) Smith, during his college years. To this union a daughter, Kimberly, was born.  He began his first teaching and coaching position at Central Lyon Community School District for the next four years. Their family was blessed with a son, Tait Jason, in 1975.

An opportunity in their hometown brought their family back to Le Mars where over the next 31 years Dennis taught, coached various sports, and taught driver's education in the summer. Dennis retired from Le Mars Community District in 2006.  He then took on a part time job at Sharon's Embroidery where he was able to reconnect with former athletes that coached and sold many tee shirts to them.  Linda retired in 2011 and that is when he decided he too would officially retire.  However, Dennis grew out his hair and beard and became Santa Claus with his wife, Mrs. Claus, making many appearances from 2006-2014.

The last few years of Dennis's life was filled with several health issues but he always handled each one with a smile on his face and a positive outlook. Throughout Denny's life his family continued to grow.  He enjoyed the company of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda of Le Mars; his children: Kimberly (Russ) Spier of Hartley, IA and Tait (Elizabeth Korda Smith) Smith of Woodland Hills, CA; his grandchildren: Jessica (Eric) Fox of Rochester MN, Dr.  Mallory (Nick) Drenth of Sioux City IA, Elizabeth (Andrew) Brockshus of Sioux Falls SD, Elyse (Sam) Schwartz of Glendale CA, Ben (Helen) Schwartz of North Hollywood and Josh (Julie) Schwartz of West Hills CA; and three great grandchildren: Mykah Fox, Diana Drenth, and Allison Brockshus.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father in law, Verl & Lillian (Woodward) Kehrberg; sister, Donna Wright; and two brothers in law: Errol Kehrberg and Donny Wright.