Jake Smouse

Jake Thomas, son of Don and Emma (Rhubee) Smouse, was born March 9, 1914, on a farm northwest of Coon Rapids, Iowa. He attended country school near his home after which he farmed with his family and neighbors. In 1936 Jake began working as a mechanic with Frank Cabelka. From September of 1942 through January of 1946, Jake was a member of the United States Army. During World War II, he served in England and Normandy, and France in the ambulance corps of the 249th General Hospital Mobile Unit. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Jake returned to Coon Rapids. On February 7, 1946, Jake was united in marriage with Ethel B. Nelson at the Gospel Tabernacle in Omaha, Nebraska. One daughter was born to this union. In 1947, Jake and Ethel went into the watch-making and jewelry repair business. They operated Smouse Jewelry in Coon Rapids until their retirement in 1983. Jake was a member of the First United Methodist Church, American Legion and Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed making and showing small gas and model steam engines and repairing clocks. Jake died Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Thomas Rest Haven Nursing Home, Coon Rapids, Iowa at the age of 95 years, 11 months, and 18 days. Besides his parents, Jake was preceded in death by his wife Ethel Smouse in 2008; grandson Jacob "Jake" Hughes; three brothers: Dale Smouse and wife Ada; Donald Smouse and wife Ruth; and Frank Smouse; twin sister Jessie and husband Walter Schumacher; brother-in-law Harvey Olson; and nephew Larry Smouse. He is survived by his daughter Donna and husband Charlie Hughes of Story City; granddaughter-in-law Jennifer Hughes and great-granddaughter Kelsey Hughes of Gilbert, AZ; brothers Harold Smouse and wife Maxine of Coon Rapids and Charlie Smouse and wife Marlene of Scranton; sister Thelma Olson of Duluth, MN; sister-in-law Maxine Sparks of Armstrong; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Celebrant REVEREND LYNN GUNDERSON MUSIC "HOW GREAT THOU ART" "ON EAGLE'S WINGS" CONGREGATION LULA GARNES, ORGANIST Casket Bearers MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION Interment with Military Honors AMERICAN LEGION GURNEY PARKER POST 357 ORANGE TOWNSHIP CEMETERY SOUTH OF COON RAPIDS, IOWA