Daniel Joseph Smith, 91 years, of Fremont, NE died Thursday, November 23, 2023 at Nye Legacy.

Funeral Mass will be 10 A.M., Monday, November 27, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Fremont, NE. Visitation will be Sunday, from 6 to 8 P.M. with a K of C Living Rosary starting at 7 P.M. all at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Fremont. Interment with military honors will be at Calvary Cemetery in Fremont.

Born in Omaha, NE and raised in Sioux City, IA, Dan was the middle son of Charles and Katharine (Stephens) Smith. He went to school at Blessed Sacrament Grade School, Trinity High School (three years) and was in the first graduating class of Heelan High School in Sioux City in 1950.

Dan attended Creighton University for a semester in 1950 and worked in Sioux City for the railroad and Armour packinghouse. He met the love of his life, Shirley Taylor, and she asked him to a Sadie Hawkins dance in Sioux City. They were married in September of 1952. Dan joined the Army Reserves in 1951, serving in active duty from 1953-55, which included a deployment to Japan. After being discharged in 1957, he attended the University of South Dakota, graduating in 1961 with a degree in accounting.

Dan was a devout Catholic and member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He coordinated the adult acolyte servers at St. Pats, was a lector, EMHC and was active in the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. He also served on the Bergan School Board, Finance Committee, and Trust Board. Dan was an active member of Travelers Protective Association, and the Eagles. Dan enjoyed traveling, fishing, coffee group, wine club with friends, and a good Western or wrestling show. One of his greatest accomplishments in life was his family- daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom he was incredibly proud of.

He is survived by daughters, Joan (Doug) Pauley of Columbus, NE and Elizabeth (Robert) Pachta of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Kristina, Hannah, Nicole, & Ryan Pauley, Bradley (Sarah) Pierce and three great-grandchildren, Mason, Blair and Callan Pierce; brother Larry (Babs) Smith of Portage, MI; sisters-in-law Grace Smith of Portland, OR, Roberta (Dr. Barry, deceased) McKay of Cody, Wyoming, Susan (Tom) Smith of Coon Rapids, MN and Kathyrn (Jim) Rudd of Eagan, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, wife of 59 years Shirley (2012); grandson, Joshua Pierce (2019); brother, Thomas Smith, sisters-in-law Joan Taylor, Marjorie Taylor and Nancy (Dave) Smith.

Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com

Moser Memorial Chapel 2170 N. Somers Ave. Fremont, NE 68025 402-721-4490.