November 12, 1949 – September 17, 2025
Raymond Lester Smith, 75, of Greene, passed away on September 17, 2025, at Nora Springs Care Center. Funeral services will be 10:30, Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Greene. Raymond will be laid to rest at the Hill Side Cemetery following the service. A public visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 22, at Woodley Funeral Home in Greene. Woodley Funeral Home of Greene is caring for Raymond and his family.
Raymond was born on November 12, 1949, in Charles City to Lester and Marie (Albers) Smith. From a young age he always wanted to be a farmer, he was proud to have known how to drive a tractor from the age of five. He was a graduate of Rockford High School with the class of 1967, and attended Iowa State University for a winter program in farming. On March 3, 1973, he married the love of his life, Karen Carpenter, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Shell Rock, Iowa. The two would celebrate 52 years together working side by side almost every day on the farm. From this union they were blessed with two daughters, Sheila and Marcia.
Raymond was known for being a hard worker and never left a task unfinished. When he had free time in the spring, he and Karen would travel the backroads looking for asparagus, always finding far too much for just themselves. Over 100 lbs. would be given to family and friends most years. He had a comical side, always one for a good laugh and a well-timed joke. Raymond always enjoyed a good game of cards with family and friends.
Left to cherish Raymond’s memory are his wife of 52 years, Karen; daughters, Sheila Smith and Marcia Wilsey; and granddaughters, Kaitlin and Leah Wilsey.
He is preceded in death by his parents Lester and Marie, and sister Linda (Larry) Brandau.
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