Services
Obituary
Duane Smith, 48, of Kanawha, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Ewing Funeral Home, 178 Center Street West in Britt.
Visitation will be held prior to the Memorial service at the funeral home starting at 9:30 AM.
Please click the following link to watch the Memorial Service Livestream. https://meet.goto.com/712317973
Duane Robert Smith, son of William Smith and Connie (Smith) Root, was born on March 29, 1978, in Britt, Iowa. He attended the West Hancock School District and later worked there as a custodian.
On January 2, 1999, Duane was united in marriage to Paula Stohr. Together, they raised their three daughters in Kanawha. As a devoted father, Duane could be firm, but those closest to him knew his kind and gentle heart.
In his free time, Duane enjoyed playing video games, watching NASCAR, and cheering on his favorite teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Michigan Wolverines, and West Hancock Eagles. He took pride in being a grill master, often preparing meals for his family. He also enjoyed bowling league nights and spending time fishing. Above all, Duane cherished time with his family, especially gathering around bonfires.
Duane will be remembered most for his deep love of family, his willingness to help others through difficult times, and his ever-present smile, despite battling cancer for over 20 years.
Duane is survived by his wife of 27 years Paula Smith of Kanawha; his daughters Shauna Smith, Jennifer (Chance) Nielsen, and Amber Smith all of Kanawha; mother Connie Root of Britt; siblings Margaret (Karl) DeMunda, Luke Smith; brother of the heart Cory Brown; parents-in-law Beuford (Rozzy) Stohr and along with many aunts, uncles, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father William, granddaughter Kennedy Nielsen, his maternal and paternal grandparents, and parents-in-law Gwen and John Miller.