Herma Lou Smith Lane

https://boxcast.tv/view/herma-smith-lane-psymucnq1ezkrbsbci0x?_gl=11avp3dz_gcl_auMjU2ODg3NDg0LjE3NTk4NjkzMDcuMzc3ODQxMDE2LjE3NjAzODQ2ODAuMTc2MDM4NDgwNg.._gaOTE2MzM3MjE0LjE3NTk4NjkzMDc._ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*czE3NjAzODQ2NzgkbzIkZzEkdDE3NjAzODQ4MDUkajYwJGwwJGgw

Visitation will be held 5:00p.m.~7:00p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2025, Hennessey Funeral Home Missouri Valley, Iowa.

Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 17, 2025, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missouri Valley, Iowa.

The family has invited everyone to join them in a luncheon and fellowship immediately following the service. For those that wish to join Herma’s family at her temporary resting place at Grange Cemetery in Honey Creek, IA. may follow the procession after the luncheon, where she will be laid to rest alongside Gene.

Memorial may be given to her church, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missouri Valley.

Herma Lou (Koenig) Smith Lane, age 95 of Missouri Valley, Iowa passed away on October 12, 2025, at Azria Health Longview Nursing Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa. Herma was born on March 30, 1930, to John and Juanita (Grossmann) Koenig. She attended school in Missouri Valley, Iowa and graduated in 1948.

On June 13, 1948, she was united in marriage to Gene H. Smith at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missouri Valley, IA. They lived on a farm about one mile north of town until 1965 when they moved to town and were then referred to as, “city farmers”.

They were blessed by the birth of three children, Dennis Lynn, Valerie Jean, and Jay Howard. Gene died on October 21, 1997, less than a year shy of their 50th wedding anniversary. This union created many joys and memories for the generations to follow.

Herma remarried on August 2, 2003, to Ralph Lane, also of Missouri Valley, Iowa. They lived in Missouri Valley until Ralph was placed into skilled care. Ralph died on February 21, 2017.

Herma was a loving and caring wife, mother of three, grandmother of seven, great grandmother of eight, and friend of many. She was commonly known as “Granny Apples” by the great grandchildren. She loved to cook for the family, pamper all those that visited, garden to her flowers, quilting and sewing projects for the family and most of all she loved to make us feel special.

Herma worked as a bookkeeper at the JC Penny store in Missouri Valley as the kids grew up until the store closed around 1971. She then went to work for Bob Warner at the Warner, Kellogg & Day Insurance office as the bookkeeper. Gene and Herma had an opportunity to purchase the agency in 1981, Herma continued to work as the bookkeeper and agent until she retired in 1998.

Herma was preceded in death by her parents, John in 1970 and Juanita in 2000, two sisters, Olive (Corrine) Arndt in 1983 of Denver, CO., and Lorna Johnson of Council Bluffs, IA. in 2004, nephew Steve Johnson of Logan, IA. in 2012, Gary Lane, Jon Lane, and Diana Lane.

Those left to cherish memories of Herma are her three children: Dennis (Joanie) of Missouri Valley, IA., Valerie (Charlie) Meyer of Lincoln, NE., and Jay (Gail) of Missouri Valley, IA., her seven grandchildren: Tracy (Terry) Deutmeyer of Fairbank, IA., Cody Smith of Missouri Valley, IA., Jamie (Ryan) Von Sossan of Sacramento, CA., Amber (Pete) Fencl of David City, NE., Brian Meyer of Lincoln, NE., Lindsey (Ben) Rand of Elwood, NE., Brad (Mackenzie) Smith of Phoenix, AZ., eight great grandchildren: Lou and Cole Von Sossan of Sacramento, CA., Isabella Wagner of David City, NE., Brody and Maxine Fencl of David City, NE., Noah and Noelle Rand of Elwoood, NE., Chance Christopher Howard Smith of Phoenix, AZ. Nieces: Sharon (Arndt) Jones of Henderson, NV., Brenda (Arndt) Page of Laramie, WY., Connie (Johnson) Pires of Modesto, CA., nephews: Scott Smith of Colorado Springs, CO., Tom Smith of Richmond, VA., Richard Smith of Hudson, OH., Stanley (Jim) Johnson of Omaha, NE., along with all those whose lives she touched.

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6 Comments

  • Carol Foutch Posted October 14, 2025 6:01 am

    Herma was the sweetest lady. Spent an afternoon with her while she showed me pictures and told me the history of the Koenig family. She was an amazing lady.
    My deepest sympathy to her children’, grandchildren and many friends.

  • Julie Haner Posted October 14, 2025 8:10 am

    I have so many memories of spending time with Herma and her family. She was such a sweet and generous lady. She will definitely be greatly missed. Julie Haner

  • Eric & Lori Milburn Posted October 14, 2025 11:24 am

    Condolences to the family, strength in knowing she’s in heaven filled with love..

  • Julie Walter Posted October 14, 2025 12:40 pm

    Herma Lou was the sweetest, kind and loving friend one could ever wish for. The memories she leaves with me are precious. My Synpsthy and prayers to her family and loved ones. Much love my Dear Friend

  • VICKY L MARQUARDT Posted October 14, 2025 8:40 pm

    Herma Lou was such a fixture at Missouri Valley softball and basketball games in the 70’s! What a lovely, classy lady. My sincerest condolences.

  • Lisa Powell Posted October 15, 2025 12:54 pm

    Prayers to Herma’s family and friends. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL,WONDERFUL LIFE!!!

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