Danny Lee (Smith) Wiles

Danny Lee (Smith) Wiles, 63, of Newton died on Thursday, October 31, 2024. A celebration of life visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, November 9, at the Least of Saints Ministry in Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Danny’s name (checks made payable to Joy Wiles) may be left at the celebration of life or at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Danny, the son of Thomas David Smith and Judy K. Stifel, was born on July 1, 1961 in Des Moines. As a child, he lived in various locations around the United States before he made his home with his mother in the Des Moines area.  After attending Valley High School, Danny received his Culinary Arts Degree from DMACC.  Danny was a talented chef helping open many restaurants in and around Des Moines. In the 90’s, Danny enjoyed owning and operating Woody’s Bait and Tackle in Valley Junction in West Des Moines.  He later returned to working as a chef and most recently had worked as a jack of all trades, from being a construction flagger to building docks. He liked having variety in his work from day to day.

In 2005, Danny met Joy Matteson and moved to Newton. They were united in marriage on June 6, 2012, at Indian Rock Beach, Florida. Annual trips to Florida became a family tradition.  Danny attended Least of Saints Ministry. He enjoyed tinkering on small projects including model cars and making gel candles.  He loved to fish, cheer on Rusty Wallace in NASCAR, and smoke and barbeque meats. Danny enjoyed making meals and food for his family; some of their favorites included fettucine alfredo and homemade salsa.

Danny is survived by his wife Joy Wiles of Newton; children, Melissa Audas of Des Moines, Zachary (Kelsee) Wiles of Ankeny, Patrick Wiles of West Des Moines, and Andrew Wiles of Newton; his grandchildren, Ryan, Alina, and Alex; and his father, Thomas David Smith of Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his mother, Judy K.  Wiles.

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