Mt. Pleasant’s Rick Smith to turn 80

Mt. Pleasant resident Richard (Rick) Lee Smith I, turns 80 years old on Nov. 15, 2023.

Rick was born at Rose Hill, just outside of Albia, Iowa to Pauline and Robert L. Smith. That year Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first president of the United States to travel by airplane while in office (to meet with Winston Churchill to discuss World War II). 1943 marked a shift in World War II as the Allies gained momentum.

Back home, each person was allocated 48 blue points per month, giving a family of four a total of 192 points for processed food. Families could also grow and preserve their own produce in Victory Gardens to avoid spending ration points.

In 1943, eighty years ago, a typical American house cost $3,775, rent was $40 a month, a new car $920, a movie ticket 30 cents and loaf of bread 9 cents. The average income was $2,041 per year. Pistol Packin' Mama" by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters and I'll Be Home For Christmas by Bing Crosby where two of the biggest songs on the radio. Deep dish pizza was invented in Chicago that year.

After graduation from Albia High School, Rick worked for Schmidt Construction as a bridge builder, working on the construction of the longest bridge in Iowa. In 1964 he married Florence Ross in Olds, Iowa at the Olds United Church of Christ. Through the years Rick has been an avid fisherman and enjoys fishing in Minnesota and Iowa with friends.

As he turns 80, Rick's most important role has been the father of three: Kimberly Johnston, Renee Schmidt and Ricky Smith, grandfather of six: Morgan Wiggins, Nate Schmidt, Bella Johnston, Jed Schmidt, Claire Johnston and Wyatt Schmidt, great grandfather of two: Kasen and Alayna Wiggins and a spouse to Florence (Ross) Smith for close to 60 years. Here’s looking forward to many more trips around the sun!

For those of you wishing to wish Rick a happy birthday, please drop him a note at:

Richard L. Smith I

2799 Hickory Avenue

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 52641

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