"I know that Galen's death never truly hit me since I was across the world when it happened but I was just messing around on facebook and typed in my name and this is what came up so it was nice to be able to read through all of this. Maybe it will make the reality sink in."
In loving memory of
Galen F. Smith
November 26, 1987 - June 11, 2008
Galen Francis Smith was born November 26, 1987, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, the son of Vernon and Rose (Hugeback) Smith. He attended Mallard Grade School, and he was a 2006 graduate of West Bend - Mallard High School. Galen continued his education at Iowa State University, majoring in mechanical engineering. In his short time at ISU, Galen was recognized for an outstanding engineering accomplishment for ME270 Semester Best Team Design Presentation.
Galen was a true farm boy at heart. He was very active in 4-H where he served on the Palo Alto County Council and was also involved in collegiate 4-H. Galen had many talents. He played piano, trumpet, violin, and the pipe organ at ISU. He was an accompanist for St. Mary's Catholic Church. He enjoyed wood carving and spending time at the "Bo Lodge," which he spent many hours building. He played high school basketball and football, and participated in college intramural flag football and softball. Galen loved his Ford tractor, collecting John Deere miniatures, fishing, and most of all, his family.
On Wednesday, June 11, 2008, Galen Smith was struck by lightning while working with his Dad on a building project at his home near Curlew.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents: Vernon and Rose (Hugeback) Smith of Curlew; a sister, Laura Smith of Curlew; maternal grandmother, Nancy Hugeback; paternal grandmother, Eleanor Smith; aunts and uncles: Bruce and Linda Biermann, Glen and Diane Smith, Don and Coleen Hugeback, John and Gwen Hanson, Kim and Ann Dunn, Ron and LeAnn Hugeback, Marcy and Chris Kaiser, Mike and Tracy Hugeback, Sara and Jim Richardson, Ruth Hugeback and Verna and Aaron Ellison; cousins: Stacy Biermann and Ryan Perry; Sarah Biermann; Rachel and Scott Smith; Megan and Allison Hanson; Rebecca, Amanda, and Danielle Dunn; Heather and Kyle Hugeback; Samantha Aldag; Austin, Garrett and Cauy Hugeback; Emily, Ian, Eryn and Corwin Kaiser; and Isaac Ellison.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Virgil Francis Hugeback and paternal grandfather, S. Evan Smith.
Tributes
"Dear Smith Family, My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Galen was a wonderul person, and one of my favorite classmates at ISU. We had organ studio together and shared countless conversations during the short time I was blessed to know him - Galen always made time to listen and offer encouragement. He was such a blessing to us all. Please know I am thinking of you all during this difficult time. "
"Vern, Rose & Laura - I wanted to let you know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We had just talked about how we enjoyed the music at the Mother's day mass. Galen was an amazing young man. May God be with you. With much sympathy - Jenny Hough & family"
"Eleanor, Vernon, Rose and family~ My heart truly goes out to you all during this difficult time. May the coming days help heal the sadness and bring forth the many wonderful memories you will cherish of Galen. The many comments I've read here show this young man was held in high regard by everyone who knew him. May it somehow help to know your loss touches many hearts. Caring thoughts and sympathy are with you~"
"Especially for Vernon, Rose, Laura, and Eleanor whom I remember from my years at the Mallard Methodist Church - My sympathies and condolences to you all. I just heard the news and can't believe he's gone. I haven't seen any of you in a long time, but I often think of all the people from up there and I remember the Sunday School days - Galen was a blessing to have in class, a good kid through and through. My prayers and thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow."
"I met Galen about two years ago in Iowa City. I was staying with my friend, which was a roommate of Rachel's. He was such a nice guy! He had a big and bright smile! I only got to know him for a short time, but I know that he is in a great place now. God has taken him home. He may not be physically with us today, but his memories will live on forever. I am deeply sorry for your family's loss. I can't imagine what you are going through but know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Kalli Boehm "
"Dear Vernon and Rose, How does one express sorrow that defies description? Our grief is palpable, our hearts heavy as we think of you now, pray for you, and grieve for you and with you over Galen's death. What a bright and shining star he was! A young man full of talent and goodness within; a true reflection of the two of you and all that you taught him. The loss to the world is immeasurable. We will continue to lift you and the family in prayer as you go through the difficult and painful days ahead. Laura, Eleanor, Gwen, Glen, and Linda, you are in our hearts and prayers. May Galen rest in God's loving care. We look forward to that glorious day when we will all see him again in Eternity. With Christian and family love for all of you, Celine and Glen"
"My thoughts are with your family."
"Vern, Rose and Laura, Every time I encountered Galen I was amazed at what a talented, intelligent, warm, and modest young man he was. I know he will be sorely missed as a son, brother, and friend to all of you. God be with all of you in this time of grief. "
"My prayers go out for the entire Smith family in this difficult time. I had the pleasure of working with Galen last summer at the Iowa 4-H Center. His love of life, the kids and all things camp was truly admirable. His smile is forever engrained in my mind. He will missed and certainly never forgotten. "
"Dear family of Galen, I do not know Galen or your family. Just wanted you to know that my prayers are with you. I have a son, age 22, and cannot image losing him. May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you peace and comfort."
"In the short time that I got to know Galen he has left a lasting impression on me. He always came to class with a smile and was always prompt. He excelled in whatever task was assigned him and had all the potential to be a great engineer. For his short time here he had already left a lasting impact and will be greatly missed by students and faculty alike. May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ be with you and may the Holy Spirit embrace you in this time of great loss."
"I too am very sorry to hear of this tragedy. Galen will be missed by many people. You are all in my prayers."
"I am so sorry. I haven't seen Galen in years but I have such vivid memories of him as an adorable little boy coming to church in his bow tie. He must have grown up to be an amazing and talented young man. God bless you all."
"To the entire Smith Family: our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. My daughter is Whitnie Rush and was a great friend of Galens and talked about how much she enjoyed knowing him at ISU. My husband and I had the occasion to meet him just a few times but his infectious smile and caring attitude will be forever with me. May you find some comfort in knowing the wonderful impression he left on everyone that knew him and he will never be forgotten. Lezlie"
"What can we say at a time like this? Our words are so inadequate, but we trust that God's words will be an encouragement to you and all the family at this time. Our hearts are so heavy and we know that Galen will be greatly missed. Since we haven't been around Galen for many years, it was a joy to read about the remarkable young man he has become. God gave you 20 beautiful years with your son. "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deuteronomy 33:27) "This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope. Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul. Therefore I hope in Him!" (Lamentations 3:21-24)"
"We just want to express our sympathy to you all. God be with you during this time of inexpressible grief and sorrow. Since we are in the Cornbelt Conference,We remember your son in West Bend Mallard athletics. Isaiah 57:1-2"
"Galen and I met last summer at 4-H camp. He had been working there all summer and I came half way through the summer to volunteer a week. He was the first person to greet me with a smile on his face. He introduce me to everyone since I hadn't been there yet that summer, and I was timid about being a staff member with people that are older than me. Galen made me feel extremely welcome. The one thing that I will never forget is that Galen always had a smile on his face. Galen will be greatly missed by everyone. All of you will be in my prayers."
"Vern & Rose, I just heard about your loss and cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am. Please know that you and your family are in my every thought and prayer. As the mother of two sons about Galen's age, I cannot imagine such a huge loss. May God hold you dear."
"I had the pleasure of meeting Galen during our sophomore year at Iowa State. I believe the word that best describes Galen is simply pleasant. He always went through the day with his sincere smile. Spending time with Galen made me realize that there is always a better way to approach problems, he was a polite gentleman in any situation and never lost his optimism for as long as I knew him. I thank the family of Galen for guiding him to be the enjoyable, unique leader he was. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family."
"Vernon, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Such tragedy is all around you there in Iowa. Do you remember me as Ed and Leah Olsberg's oldest daughter? God be with you all."
"We are so sorry to hear about Galen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"You have our deepest sympathy in your loss. Galen was a great young man. I enjoyed getting to know him as a 4-Her through the fair and conference. He always had the biggest smile. I will always treasure my memories of him. Vernon, Rose & Laura, you are in our thoughts and prayers. "
"Vern & Rose, so sorry to hear about your son Galen. We will keep him in our prayers."
"Our sympathy goes out to all of you. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you."
"We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our daughter Kelly Albrecht was a good friend of Galen's at ISU. He visited our home with Kelly and their friends a year ago and we were so impressed with his mature, positive, upbeat personality and his infectious smile. He will be greatly missed by his friends. May the memory of Galen's spirit and God's grace comfort your in your grief. Peggy"
"To the Smith family, We are greatly saddened by the loss of Galen. Our son is Brian Van Utrecht, a friend from ISU. I remember the first days of their freshmen year and Brian told me he had meant Galen and really liked him and they became good friends. Galen and Brian had alot of fun grilling and fixing meals and hanging out together. We meant Galen a few times up at ISU and really liked him. He was a well mannered, friendly, and helpful young man. We felt good knowing Brian had such a neat guy as one of his close friends to hang out with. Galen will be greatly missed. Vickie"
"Our thoughts go out to all of you in the Smith and Hugeback extended family. So deeply saddened to hear about Galen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"We are so very sorry for your loss! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers."
"Galen became a good friend of mine last semester at Iowa State. We were on the same design team for one of our ME classes in which we went on to win the competition - we were so happy about our success and I remember how excited we all were after we were announced the winners. I'll never forget his big smile, he was always smiling. He was a great friend and I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to know him and listen to him tell his stories. We went on a lot of walks around campus and went to lunch together fairly regularly as we were in a lot of classes together. He will be greatly missed. Galen was such a great friend, a very bright individual and truly had a passion for living life to the fullest. I am so very sorry for your loss. Yesterday God called home one of the nicest people I know. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. "
"I became a good friend of Galen over this past year. We met each other through our engineering design team. Galen always loved life. I cannot recall a day where he didn't have his big smile shining bright. Galen is one of the finest young men I know. My prayers are with your family."
"Sometimes God does things for unknown reasons that are not clearly explained to us. Only God, himself has the answers to his master plan. It is through him that we must trust and draw our strenght from. Please know that words cannot express the sorrow we feel for your loss. Galen was such a good person, which was a result of good parents. We send you all our love and support, and may good be with you."
"Galen was such a bright and wonderful person. He was always was willing to help the little kids at the fair. I remember him when he was younger, I never saw him without a smile on his face. Vernon, Rose & Laura, our thoughts and prayers are with you through this hard time. Melissa, Chris and Hannah Tindall "
"I also remember Galen's wonderful smile and sense of humor. He was so fortunate to have such a loving and supportive family and good friends. My prayers are with you."
"What a loss to our world! Galen was just a fun loving young man...always smiling and giving! You have our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Denise Flaherty"
"What a loss to our world! Galen was just a fun loving young man...always smiling and giving! You have our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Denise Flaherty"
" It was a privilege to have had the chance to meet and teach Galen in middle school. We cannot find the words needed to express our deepest sorrow for your loss. Our thoughts are with you, Vernon, Rose and Laura. He will be missed. YOu are in our prayers."
"Laura, You and your family have our sympathy. We have been thinking of you and your entire family the last two days. We did not know your brother, but if he was like you, he was a great guy. Please know that many 4-H'ers and Iowa 4-H families are thinking of you and your family. "
"Laura and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we can't imagine how hard it is for you to have to go through this, but we pray that you will lean on God for your strength and know that He is there for you and He will help you get through this difficult time and the days ahead. It's hard to understand why this had to happen, but we aren't meant to know and understand all things. Nikki's sister and brother, Sarah and Peter, knew your brother Galen as they went on the CWF trip with him and Sarah said that she sees him every once in a while on ISU campus and they always exchange "HEY". From what we've heard of your brother, he was a great guy and will truly be missed by many. Keep the Faith and lean on Him."
"Vern, Rose, and Laura- Words are hard to come by. The strength of a family and it's circle of friends can be a powerful thing. We know that your circle is strong and rooted in faith in God. We are praying for each of you and know that you will find strength in your circle of family and friends. Lean on Jesus and he will carry you and always remember that someone is praying you through."
"Galen was a wonderful person. He was always willing to help everyone with a smile. He was great with 4-Her's and always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be truely missed!!! Our prayers are with you. God Bless!!"
"Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We are very sorry for your loss."
"We were so very sorry to hear tonight of your loss from Jean Jones. We shared Jean as piano teacher. We remember Galen playing some amazing piano pieces, while our kids were still playing "Old Black Cat" or some such, it seems. Reading other memories of him here tonight, I can understand why everyone remembers his wonderful smile. What a blessing he must have been to his parents and sister and all who knew and loved him. I lost my older brother two years ago. I felt he was too young to lose, even at the age of 56. I will remember and miss him always, though the grief and pain is slowly outweighed by special memories. I can still hear his voice in my imagination, even two years later and believe I always will. May God keep your memories of Galen clear and strong. I am so sorry that you will be without your son and brother much longer than I, at his young age. Please know that your family is in our prayers, as you suffer this deep loss. God truly is near to the broken hearted, as I know you will find. So very sorry. Gus and Nancy Brinkman Rolfe "