Obituary of Dale Smith

After a lifetime of serving and spreading the Word, Wendell Dale Smith, 87, was called home to be with the Lord. He transitioned from his earthly life to his Heavenly one enveloped in the love of family, surrounded in prayer by the nursing staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Edgewood, KY on September 3, 2024. Born on February 1, 1937, in Marysville, OH, Dale was the son of Wendell David Smith and Helen Ellen [Zahn] Smith.

Dale earned a Master’s degree and specialized in the field of agronomy.  Initially he taught high school courses, but then found work at the extension office near Wisconsin Rapids, WI. It was at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, where he attended a men’s small group one night that he met Karen Pundt (who was working as a teacher at her home church). Karen and Dale were married almost a year after that fateful night. Together, they embarked on a new life and new work together. Called into evangelical ministry, Dale melded his passion for missionary work with his substantial agricultural background. He and Karen re-located to Ecuador where they lived, worked and witnessed to the indigenous Quechua for 17 years. After their time in Ecuador, the family moved to northern Minnesota where they continued their ministry within the Ojibwa (Chippewa) community, specifically focusing on those who were currently incarcerated. They remained there for 25 years. In his golden years, Dale contemplated retirement. He and Karen moved to Independence, KY to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Forever on fire for Jesus, Dale was able to become involved with the Kentucky Jail Ministry, the Lord’s Gym and The Bridge; assisting many who were struggling with addiction and substance-use disorders.

Dale was the beloved husband of Karen [Pundt] Smith; a dear dad to Beth St. Clair and Matthew (Sandra) Smith; a treasured grandpa and Papi to Elita, Nicole, Julia (Bradley), Elliot and Sylvia as well as an adored great-grandfather to Wade.  Dale is greeted in Heaven by his parents Wendell and Helen Smith in addition to his sisters Marilyn Miller and Carol Schiff.

Visitation will be held on Monday September 9, 2024, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051. A funeral service will be celebrated directly following the visitation at 1:00 PM, also to be held at the funeral home.  Dale will then be laid to rest at Independence Cemetery. Saddened, we come together on this day to gather and offer support to one another, but we know that this day isn’t meant for such sorrow. Instead, it is to examine and celebrate what Jesus has done through this one person, through our beloved Dale.   

Continue Dale’s legacy of missionary work by donating in his memory to Project 92 either online or in person at services.  Checks may be made payable to Project 92, 8769 Vinup Rd., Lynden, WA 98264.

To offer an online condolence to the family or share a memory or photo of Dale, please visit the tabs on this page.

Dale's funeral service will be live-streamed for those who are unable to make it in person. You can join the stream on Monday here.