Albert Stanley Smith, age 98, of Albia passed away on January 12, 2026 at Serenity House surrounded by family.
He was born January 10, 1928 to Henry Smith and Florence Elizabeth (Smith) Smith in Monroe County. He married Mary Catherine (Stuchel) Smith on January 16, 1950 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, IA; to this union 10 children were born. Albert and Mary shared 72 years of marriage. He attended Avery Independent School through 10th grade. He later earned his GED. He enlisted in the army with regular basic training. After basic training went to the 82nd airborne paratroopers. In 1946 he marched in the VE parade in Boston Massachusetts. He was the last remaining WWII veteran in Monroe County. He worked at John Morrell’s until it closed for 25 years. He worked at Chamberlains and John Deere until retirement. After retirement, he then went to work as a custodian at Albia High school. Outside his professional life, Albert was an active community member. He was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church, and the American Legion of Albia. He coached Little League and Babe Ruth, sharing his passion for sports with the younger generation. An avid fisherman, Albert was known for his generosity, often giving away his days fishing catch to anyone in need. In his leisure time, Albert enjoyed reading and solving crossword puzzles, a mark of his intellectual curiosity.
He was a loving individual who cherished his large family, relatives, and friends. He is survived by his three sons, Stanley (Bernie) Smith, Mark (Gail) Smith, Dan (Laura) Smith; five daughters, Cindy (Tom) Sinnott, Cathy (Craig) Brandt, Carol (Terry) Reed, Chris Amos and Randy, and Barbara (Stan) Smith; twenty grandchildren, 31 great-grand children; 1 great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a very special friend, Jeany Marlin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Florence Smith; wife, Mary; siblings, Jerold, Robert, David, Pete, Wilbur in infancy, Bea Myers, Edna Stout, Ruth Mcgee; sons, Anthony in infancy and Steve; son-in-law, Mike Amos; and a daughter-in- law, Chris Smith.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia, opening to the public at 3 p.m., with family present from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. A Rosary will be recited by St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary at 4 p.m., A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia with Father Isaac Essel officiating. Interment with military rites will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia. Memorials have been established to St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary.
We invite everyone to share their memories of Albert Smith and to upload photos on his memorial page. May these shared memories provide comfort and bring smiles to our faces as we remember a life filled with love, service, and generosity.
