Kenneth “Kenny” Raymond Smith, 63, of Mason City, died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, at his home in Mason City.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, Iowa, with Msgr. John Hemann, officiating. Burial will be in Visitation Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday at the church.

Kenny was born March 9, 1949, in Osage, the son of Ray and Marjorie (Blake) Smith. He graduated in 1967 from Marian High School in Stacyville. Kenny then attended NIACC where he studied nursing and horticulture. He chose a career in health care becoming an orderly and worked at Mercy Hospital in Mason City for more than 43 years. Kenny was dedicated to the compassionate care of all those he served there.

Kenny possessed a true Franciscan spirit. He loved all animals and cared deeply about the health of the environment. Kenny had a special devotion to Our Lady, Mary. His favorite radio station was KCMR, and he especially liked to “pray along” as they broadcast the recitation of the Holy Rosary.

Above all, Kenny was a dreamer, with many varied interests, including art, architecture, gardening, angels and all things spiritual. Though his health prevented him from reaching many of them, one dream Kenny was proud to have achieved was to own his home.

Kenneth is survived by his 11 sisters and brothers, Kathy Sonne, Dale (Mary) Smith, Joyce (Vance) Krebsbach, Dennis (Carrol) Smith, Sherry (Todd) Brandt, Roger Smith, Mike (Julie) Smith, Joe (Karla) Smith, Glen Smith, Donna (Larry) Adams, Paul (Lesa) Smith; 19 nieces and nephews; four great-nieces and nephews; and special friends, Lucy Varrellman, Laura Henderson, and Jerry and Sharon O’Neill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a niece, Allison Smith; and a brother-in-law, Alan Sonne.