June 1, 1944 — December 18, 2025
Frank “Joe” Edward Smillie, 81, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 18, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025 at First Covenant Church, 411 S Ohio Ave, Mason City. Visitation will be held the evening prior from 4 to 6 p.m. at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N Pennsylvania Ave, Mason City. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to his wife, Judy, to honor Frank’s memory.
Born on June 1, 1944, in Rockville Centre, New York, Frank was the 8th out of 9 children. He grew up in East Rockaway and graduated from East Rockaway High School in 1962. A natural leader and vibrant presence, he served as class president for three years and was active in drama and several school committees.
Frank’s lifelong love for food service began at age 14 in an Italian restaurant, where he started as a dishwasher and busboy and worked his way up to server. In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his service, he met the love of his life, Judy, who also served in the Air Force. They married on September 10, 1966, in Binsfeld, Germany. After their honorable discharges, Frank and Judy returned to East Rockaway, New York, to begin their family. In 1974, they moved to Iowa, where they raised their children and rooted themselves in the community Frank came to cherish.
Frank was the kind of person who never sat still. He loved gardening, cooking, baking, and sitting in the sun. If someone needed help—whether packing for a move or tackling home improvements—Frank was there, even if he had to figure it out as he went. He did it “the Frank way,” a signature blend of ingenuity, stubbornness, and heart that his family will remember with a smile.
He took pride in caring for the church kitchen, planning events, and serving as head chef—feeding people was one of the many ways he showed his love. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy; if there was an athletic or school event, Frank and Judy were there. When the grandkids were little, sleepovers at Grandpa and Grandma’s were a beloved tradition.
Frank’s legacy is one of service, family, and community—measured in meals shared, gardens tended, rides given, and the steadfast presence he offered to everyone around him.
He is preceded in death by his father, William; his mother, Janette; brothers, Pete, Ralph, and Bobby; and sisters, Carole, Dorothy (“Dot”) Ike, and Jean Kakareko.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; his children Joe (Ruth), Kelly (Brad) Meader, Katie (Jamie) Stowe, and Pete (Mandy); his brother, James; his sister, Linda Dease; ten grandchildren, Emillie (Martin), Ben, Nathan, Andrew, Bethany (Connor), Noah (Courtney), Cate, Lauren, Gavin, and Frankie; one great‑grandchild, Thomas; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
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