Funeral services for Donald L. Smith of New Richland, MN, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the Congregational Church in New Richland, MN. Pastor Pamela Jensen will officiate. Visitation will be held from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on the day of the service at the church. Interment will be in St Peters Cemetery, New Richland. Military honors will be accorded by the New Richland Legion.
Donald died Friday, May 6, 2016 at the New Richland Care Center. He was 96 years of age.
Donald was born April 30, 1920 in New Richland, MN, the son of Harry and Amanda (Jeddeloh) Smith. He graduated from New Richland High School in 1938 and attended the University of Minnesota. Don served his country in the US Army and upon discharge returned to New Richland. On June 8, 1952 he was united in marriage to Audreene Olson at the Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Hartland, MN.
Don was a very active member of the Congregational Church serving as a trustee, deacon, singing in the choir and a member of the couples club. He farmed in the New Richland area for many years and was a second generation rural letter carrier.
Donald was a member of the New Richland American Legion, served on the New Richland School Board for over 20 years, was on the Waseca County Draft Board and a member of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association.
The three most important things in his life were God, Country and Family. He was an active Apiary (Beekeeper), loved dancing, card club and attending his grandkids sporting events. He was a true Panther backer and attended most sporting events. He was a very generous man who loved to spend time with his family and friends.
Don is survived by his wife Audreene of New Richland, daughters Lori Towle of New Richland, Michele (Jeff) Moxon of New Richland, Ann (Randy) Hagen of New Richland, Jayne (Waylen) Busho of Ellendale and Alison (Kurt) Hagen of New Richland. Grandchildren include Amanda (Paul) Rovnak, Emily (Nate) Anderson, Ethan Hagen, Brody Busho and Logan Busho. Great grandchildren are Paul and Nora Rovnak. Two sisters in law survive; Marilyn Smith of Owatonna, Audrey Bethke of Pinkney, MI, and one brother in law John Dean (Jackie) Olson of Blooming Prairie. There are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard, Dale and Thomas Smith, sister Harriet Wahlstrom, and son-in-law Aloysius Towle.