In Memory of Harvey L. Smidt

Harvey Lee Smidt, age 89 of Lake View, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Twilight Acres Care Center of Wall Lake, Iowa.

Per Harvey’s wishes, no services will be held.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Harvey Lee Smidt, the son of Fred W. and Minnie (Krenzien) Smidt, was born on March 21, 1935, on the family farm in Sac County, Iowa. He attended country school through the 8^th grade and helped on the family farm. Later in life, he went back to school and completed his High School GED.   

Harvey met his future wife, Annabel J. Eichhorn, while in country school and the couple were married on March 30, 1956. In 1958, Harvey was drafted into the U.S. Army. He completed his basic training in Colorado Springs, Colorado and then was sent to Georgia to MP (Military Police) training. From there he was the sent to Germany where he spent the rest of his tour of duty. Harvey was able to have his wife join him in Germany for 15 months. Upon his honorable discharge in 1960, the couple returned to Iowa. 

For 27 years, Harvey farmed the family farm in Sac County. He and Annabel were blessed with two children, Darla and Neal, and one grandchild Prescott Smidt. When not farming or during the winter months, Harvey worked at Nobles Mfg., Williams Mill and Feed Co., and Farmer’s Coop all in Sac City, Iowa. 

Harvey treasured time spent with his children and fishing with his grandson. In his younger days, he could be found hunting and fishing. Later in life he took up bicycling, and could be seen riding around Black Hawk Lake whenever the weather was nice. Harvey most looked forward to the Christmas holiday where he and Annabel assisted Santa Claus, as the Sac and Carroll County assistants.   

Left to cherish his memory include his wife Annabel Smidt of Lake View, IA; children Darla J. Smidt of Waukee, IA and Neal H. Smidt of Lake View, IA; grandson Prescott Smidt of Mesa, AZ; sister LaVon Karstens of Lake View, IA; brother-in-law Bill and Linda Eichhorn of Lake View, IA; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fred W. Smidt and Minnie (Krenzien) Smidt; sisters Clara (Harvey) Freese, Della (Laverne) Buse, Matilda (Hank) Beckman, and Velma (Bennett) Ulven; brother-in-law Vernice Karstens, Irvin (Wilma) Smidt, and Carl (Mildred) Smidt.