Upcoming Events
Feb
10
Visitation
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Lutheran Church of Hope
925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Send FlowersBook nearby hotelsFeb
10
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Lutheran Church of Hope
925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Send FlowersBook nearby hotelsServices provided by
Iles Westover ChapelOnly 3 days left for delivery to next service.
Gail Smith Obituary
Gail was a life long resident of Waukee, Iowa. He attended Waukee schools, graduating in 1978. He furthered his education earning a degree in finance from Upper Iowa University in 2004. He recently retired from a successful 40 year career at Pepsi in Urbandale, Iowa in full line vending sales, where he dedicated many years of hard work and commitment.
Gail was endlessly innovative and had a passion for creating art and sculpture. He loved to work with his hands on home improvement projects, and restoring his 54 Ford pick up.
Gail and Ginger, his wife of 27 years, built their dream winter home in Rotonda West, Florida, enthusiastically planning every detail in preparation for their retirement years. Retirement was truly an adventure for Gail. He took joy in the outdoors- bicycling, fishing, scuba, and wave runner rides. Most treasured were times spent with friends and family.
Gail had a gift for connecting with people and was known for his kindness to all. His outgoing nature, infectious personality, and unmistakable energy left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Gail was preceded in death by his parents Verle and Vivian, and his beloved daughter Leah.
He is survived by his wife, Ginger; brothers Ken (Priscilla) and Gary (Mary Jo) and sister Elaine. Gail also will be sorely missed by stepsons, Jamie (Amy) Flugge-Smith and Jason Smith; grandchildren, Jayden, James, Amina and Emree; nieces and nephews, Braden (Kelli) Clarke, Danielle (Marc) Emmert, Mandy (Jeff) Baker, Meghan (Nick) Jones, Michael Dingman and David Dingman.
A Celebration of Life for Gail will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation with family will precede the service , beginning at 9:00 AM.
Memorials in honor of Gail can be made to the Fellowship Church of Englewood, Florida. Donations will go to the building fund in support of construction of a prayer garden.
Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.
Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
7 Entries
Chris and Kim Davenport
February 4, 2026
You had to smile when he was around - he had good energy. Gail was respectful, kind, funny, and he will be missed. He was one of a kind. Our condolences to all of you.
David Thomas
February 4, 2026
I'm so very sorry for your loss !!
Gail and I grew up neighbors and classmates from K-12. He was always a good friend, kind to everyone who met him, always smiling and just a kindred spirit. The world was a better, kinder place with him in it ! I am very sad to hear of his passing and will miss him !
Rick & Linda Samuelson
February 4, 2026
We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Gail is just about one of the nicest people we've ever met. He will truly be missed by all.
Mark Broderick
February 3, 2026
Sorry to hear about Gail! It was quite the shock!
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Don Parry
February 3, 2026
Gail was one of the nicest persons I´ve met. When I worked at Mercy and he had the Pepsi account there he would always stop by my office. My condolences to the family. We will all miss him.
Ken Parry
February 3, 2026
Gail was one of a kind in a superhuman way, always full of energy and a good laugh. Ginger, my sincere condolences for your loss and your family's loss
Cindy Voecks
February 2, 2026
I will miss him coming into Fareway. He was always nice.Prayers to family
Cindy Voecks
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6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50322
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Upcoming Events
Feb
10
Visitation
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Lutheran Church of Hope
925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Send FlowersBook nearby hotelsFeb
10
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Lutheran Church of Hope
925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Send FlowersBook nearby hotelsServices provided by
Iles Westover ChapelOnly 3 days left for delivery to next service.