Patrick "Pat" Lee Smith, age 67, of Grinnell, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, while working on his farm on "The Outskirts of Heaven" as he lovingly referred to it. Patrick leaves behind a legacy of love, pride, hard work, and wisecracking joy for all who knew and loved him. A funeral service will be held 10:30AM on Monday, April 17, 2023, at Cox-Smith Funeral Home. Burial will be Rock Creek Cemetery near Grinnell. A visitation will be on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Cox-Smith Funeral Home, with the family present from 4:00PM – 7:00 PM. Memorials in Patrick's memory may be designated to the Patrick L. Smith Memorial Fund and will be used to aid and benefit youth in Jasper and Poweshiek Counties to obtain their "Hunter Safety" certification and for the betterment of Conservation in the Rock Creek Area. Please sent in the care of the Cox-Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 163, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.

Patrick was born in Grinnell on June 2, 1955, to Arthur Lee Smith and Patricia Lucille Adkins Christinson. He graduated with the Grinnell High School Class of 1973. Patrick married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Mary Jo Thompson on August 3, 1973, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Grinnell. They were just getting ready to celebrate 50 years of marriage in August. Patrick and Mary Jo welcomed their daughter, Monica Jo on February 9, 1978, and their son, Matthew Lee on August 11, 1983. Patrick took pride in his family.

Patrick loved to deer and pheasant hunt and could often be found in the summertime at a farm pond with a fishing pole in his hand. He took such joy in the time he spent with his family and friends...and especially loved a good visit with a friend or family, just sitting on the porch and of course a "fence post meetin" with Matt and the boys out on a deer hunt.

Patrick was an accomplished and dedicated welder for Donaldson Corporation in Grinnell, where he worked for 38 years. He was a member of the UAW Local #1201. He always worked hard to provide a good life for his family and pass along important life skills and lessons. He was a wonderful husband and an amazing father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. He was ornery as hell and loved a good joke. His family and friends can all attest to this. Patrick could often be seen in Grinnell riding his Harley or walking with Mary Jo. He cherished the time he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends.

Patrick is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jo Smith of Grinnell, daughter, Monica Jo Loupee of Kellogg, son, Matthew Lee Smith (Jenny and Nolan Miller) of Grinnell, and grandchildren, Chaison Loupee (Brooke Slings), Ashlyn Loupee, Drake Smith, and Ella Smith. His brothers, Chris Christinson and Gary Christinson, sisters, Traci Smith and Susan Goehring and countless other friends and loved ones. Patrick will especially be missed by his friend and trusty German Shorthair sidekick, Charlee.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Lucille Adkins Christinson, father, Arthur Lee Smith, brother, Thomas Smith and sister, in infancy, Lisa Kay Christinson.