Norman Kiehl Smith

Norman Kiehl Smith, 79, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully July 27, 2025, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. He was under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice. Norman was born August 16, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Z. Meredith K. Smith and Mary E. Naylor Smith. He grew up and attended schools in Beaver, Pennsylvania and graduated from Beaver Area Senior High School. He also attended Machinist Mate "A" School at the US Naval Station, Basic Nuclear Power School, US Naval Station, D1G Naval Prototype. K.A. Kesselring Site, and Pennsylvania State University. On October 18, 1975, he married Barbara Jean Zitzman in Industry, Pennsylvania. He met Barbara after serving in the US Navy for 6 years 9 months 19 days from June 20, 1963-March 6, 1970. Norman and Barbara made their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Norman worked as an Engineer for Naval Reactors Facility (NRF). Norman was a member of the Catholic community, Knights of Columbus,4th day prayer group, and community Bible study. He was also on the Idaho Horse Council, and the Eagle Rock Back Country Horseman of Idaho.

His biggest love was spending time trail riding on the Great Western Trail with his beloved wife, Barbara.

Norman is survived by son, Kiehl Francis Zitzman-Smith of Ammon, ID; daughter, Mary Smith of Ammon, ID; nephew Steven Smith; and 4 grandchildren, Christopher, Iain, Ella, and Spencer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean Smith; parents, Z. Meredith K. Smith and Mary E. Naylor Smith; sisters, Suzan Smith and Cynthia Ann; nephew, Ronny; and grandson, Isaiah Kiehl Smith. A funeral mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2025, at Holy Rosary Church, 905 S. Lee, Idaho Falls. A rosary will be held from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, with a visitation to follow until 8 p.m. Inurnment will be in Ucon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Catholic School Fund, Back Country Horseman of Idaho, Great Western Trail, or your church of choice.