Mark Smykle, 69 of Akron, passed away on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at his home.

A Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron (601 Torbert Blvd). Visitation with family present will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.  Military honors will be provided by the Hoschler American Legion of Akron. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com .

Mark Lain Smykle was born on September 2, 1951 in Watertown, South Dakota. He was raised by his parents Kenneth and Joyce (Schnackenburg) Smykle in Hayti, South Dakota and later in Brandon, South Dakota. He graduated in 1969 from Brandon Valley High School. Mark enlisted in the Air Force in 1970 and was honorably discharged in 1990. Mark worked in telecommunications for the Air Force and traveled extensively for his job. He was first stationed in Colorado, where he met and married Mindy Leekley. They were united in marriage on August 17, 1974 in Aurora, Colorado. They were first stationed in Denver, Colorado and then moved to Germany. They were able to travel all over Europe during their time in Germany. They then came back to the United States to Biloxi, Mississippi and Rapid City, South Dakota. Mark continued to travel the world with the Air Force working in Southern Africa, Alaska, Ascension Islands, Turkey, Spain, and England. Mark received numerous commendations during his 20 years of service. After his honorable discharge, they made their home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and later Akron, Iowa.

Mark will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a kind, quiet, and simple man. He was respectful and a friend to all he met. He was very easy going and often had a smile on his face, earning him the nickname 'Smiley'. He had impeccable manners and loved to tell a good story. He enjoyed playing pool and chess. He loved Western, or 'Boomie', movies and enjoyed watching Nascar, St. Louis Cardinals, and Chicago Bears.

Mark is survived by his wife, Mindy Smykle and his two daughters: Trinity, who he often called 'Brat #1', and her husband Michael Bates of Dickinson, North Dakota and Paula Lain, who he often called 'Brat #2' or 'punkin', and her husband Eric Kleinwolterink of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Mark also has three grandchildren from his daughter Trinity: Landon Little, Michayla Bates, and Joseph Bates. Michayla passed away on July 29, 2004.  Mark is also survived by three siblings: Linda (Joel) Hanson, Debbie (Kurt) Jasper, and Clay (Michele) Smykle; one sister-in-law, Yvonne Smykle; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers: Troy and Greg Smykle.