Caleb Smith, age 16, of Sioux Rapids, Iowa, died on Monday, September 29, 2014, in rural Storm Lake, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 3, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Sioux Rapids. Burial will follow in the Lone Tree Cemetery in Sioux Rapids. Visitation with the family present will take place Thursday, October 2, 2014 from 4-8:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Sioux Rapids. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements.

Caleb Christopher John Smith, the son of Jenny and Chris, was born in Storm Lake, Iowa, on November 7, 1997. He has lived with his mother, stepfather, and two sisters in Sioux Rapids, and was currently a junior at Sioux Central High School.

While in school, Caleb participated in wrestling, 4-H, and weight training. In addition to his high school studies, he was also taking college classes through Iowa Central Community College to become a mechanic. Everyone who knew Caleb remembers him as an avid hunter and fisherman. Family was very important to Caleb and he treasured the time spent with his step dad, Dan, these past three years. Caleb also valued the knowledge he gained from his uncle, Makoto, and spending valuable time with his Grandpa Jim, Grandpa John, and his friends. His loved grandma kisses from Grandma Smith. Caleb was a big brother to his sisters, Shelby and Chloe, who knew him as “Co-Co”. He enjoyed eating out and going to movies with Shelby and putting on scary masks for Chloe. He could also be a bit of a tease and Caleb had fun teasing his sisters, cousins, and aunts. Caleb was a Denver Broncos fan and had fun playing various types of board games. Caleb’s favorite quote was “You mess with the bull, you get the horns.” Caleb’s dog, Matty, will be remembered as his best friend.

Caleb’s memory is loved and celebrated by his family which include his parents: Jenny Smith and Dan Van Iperen of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; sisters, Shelby and Chloe of Sioux Rapids; half-brother and half-sister, Brandon and Nicole Smith of Ayrshire, Iowa; grandparents: John and Mary Smith of Linn Grove, Iowa; and Jim and Laurie Van Iperen of Hartley, Iowa; many aunts, uncles, cousins, classmates and friends.

Blessed be the memory of Caleb Christopher John Smith.