Joseph John Smahaj Jr.

Joseph “Joe” Smahaj, Jr., 73, of Lowden, Iowa passed away after an extended illness on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at his home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 11:00am at Weerts Funeral Home; visitation will be before the service starting at 10:00am. Burial will be at Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery following the service. Memorials in Joe’s name may be made to the Wounded Warriors Program.

Joe was born on May 2, 1951 in Perryburg, Ohio to Joseph and Catherine Smahaj. He was united in marriage to Sherry Barnett on November 2, 1974. Joe worked as a Molder Finisher for 43 years before he retired; he also worked in the family’s Chestnut Grove for 20 years. He loved spending time in the outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing, and chopping wood with his family. Joe and Sherry were foster parents to many teenagers for 15 years. He was a woodworker and spent many years building various buildings on their property and furniture. Joe attended Antioch Christian Church in Marion, Iowa when his health allowed him. He was well known for his pizza and ice cream nights. Joe’s great sense of humor and infectious laugh will be missed by all.

Those left to honor his memory are his wife of 50 years, Sherry; his four favorite daughters Samantha (Ben) Gatton, Angela (Joshua) Krohse, Amanda (Jim) Harlock, and Sandi (Martin) Conklin; grandchildren Preston, Aubrey, Zachary (Kyla), Emily, Elijah, Abigail, Kaitlyn, Natalie, Madison, Penelope, Cael, and Griffin; sister Sandra Furlow; his brother John (Mary) Smahaj; and his fur babies Misty, Teddy, Itty Bitty, Butterscotch, and Tillie.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Catherine, his baby sister Cathy, and brother Robert.