Donald A. Smith

PARK FALLS, Wis. - Donald A. Smith, 88, of Mercer, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at Flambeau Hospital in Park Falls. Don was born on Nov. 15, 1928, in Milwaukee, the son of Arthur and Lillian (nee Bann) Smith.

Don served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from Jan. 19, 1951 to Dec. 12, 1952, where he was stationed in Alaska during the Korean War.

After leaving the service Don then worked for the Grunau Company for 31 years. The Grunau Company specializes in large commercial work and industrial projects. He headed the plumbing department at one time and was also a project specialist and manager. He belonged to the Plumbing Union Local 75.

Don enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, fishing, hunting and traveling. He liked taking care of his home, working and tinkering in the yard. He was an elder at Faith Lutheran Church in Mercer, and for many years Don was involved with teaching Bible study. Don and his dear friend, Bruce Teale, enjoyed putting their plumbing talents to use by helping Faith Lutheran Church.

Besides his parents, Don is preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine; sister, Beverly (Robert) Ziesberger; nephews, Tim and Tom; father and mother-in-law, Bob and Myrt Miller; and dear friend, Mike Rieman.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Miller-Smith; daughter, Deborah (Richard) Engel; grandchildren, Ryan (Bridget) and Devin (Meghan); niece, Teri (William); sister-in-law, Rita Klotter (Larry); nephew, Robert Klotter; great-nephews and niece, Austin, Hunter and Taylor; special friends, Vic and Betty Weitzer and family of Milwaukee; Georgia Flanagan of Mercer and many other dear friends and last but not least, his faithful dog and companion, Sally.

A memorial service and celebration of Don's life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Mercer on Saturday, May 27, at 11 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Pastor Paul Devantier will officiate. Inurnment and military rites will follow in the Mercer Cemetery.

Bolger Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family.