Neill Rahn Smiley

Neill Rahn Smiley, 83, Topeka, died Saturday April 11, 2009 at Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. Born July 28, 1925 in Topeka as the only child to Harold Arthur and Mildred Roine Rahn Smiley, Neill spent his entire life living in Kansas. He was known to most as Rahn, and to three as Grandpa. Rahn never underestimated the power of his mind and the stamina of his heart.
He graduated from Liberal High School in Liberal, KS in 1943. From 1943 to 1945 he was a Second Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. Rahn received his degree in Engineering from Kansas State University in 1949. After graduation, he was employed in the Kansas State Architects Office in 1950. From 1952 to 1982, Rahn was employed at Finney and Turnipseed Structural Engineers.
Vina Lou Godding of El Dorado, KS caught his attention the day they met in 1954. The couple married on October 28, 1956. They cherished each other's company while traveling together, going to shows, spending time with friends and family or simply watching the evening news. "Vi," as he called her, preceded him in death on December 13, 2000.
Rahn is survived by his daughter Janet Hunter, and husband Wayne, of Topeka, and his son Jim Smiley, and wife Melanie, of Stilwell. Rahn and Vi had three grandchildren: Sarah, 23, Stephanie, 20, and Tyler, 17. The family's greatest memories will always be vacationing together on cruises with the Disney Cruise Lines and to Hawaii, Alaska, and the Caribbean. Rahn is also survived by his faithful "All-American" dog, Bingo.
Cremation is planned. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday in the chapel on the lower level of the main building of Brewster Place, 1205 SW 29th St. Private inurnment will be in El Dorado.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 NW Rochester Road, Topeka 66617.