Obituary
Donald J. Smith
Donald J. Smith, 73, of La Crosse passed away Dec.13, 2023 at Eagle Crest South after an eight year journey with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s.
Don was born Dec. 10, 1950, in Appleton, WI. to the late Eugene and Marian (Garvey) Smith. He grew up on the family dairy farm and after graduating from Freedom High School Don attended UW-Stevens Point. With a degree in Economics, Don secured a position with the U.S. Dept. of Labor in Milwaukee. In April of 1977, Don accepted a position at a college friend’s family business in La Crosse. After 25 years in the Food and Dairy Industry Don followed his dream to assist individuals with disabilities, in a variety of roles. He also became very involved with Social Justice programs at the Newman Center Parish. Don was an active member on the WAFER Food Pantry Board.
Upon moving to La Crosse, Don became very active in the YMCA and took up competitive volleyball where he developed many lifelong friends. It was at the YMCA that he met his wife of 38 years, Kathy Shoger. They were married Oct. 19, 1985. Don and Kathy were blessed with three children Hannah Smith-Jones (Kyle Jones) of Praire Du Sac, WI, Jansen Smith (Lizzie Lombardi) of Duluth, MN and Sawyer Smith of Madison, WI.
Don enjoyed backpacking to Lake Louise, the Grand Tetons National Park and numerous other National Parks. Hannah, Jansen and Sawyer played soccer which drew Don into endless hours of volunteering at the La Crosse Soccer Fields. If anyone had a question they knew Don could help them find an answer. He also enjoyed scorekeeping at La Crosse Central’s Boys Basketball games.
Don is survived by his wife, his children, a beloved grandson, Cyrin, who had become the delight of his life, three brothers, Dave (Nancy Lane) Smith of North Oaks, MN; Dan (Marcia) Smith of MIddleton, WI; Tim (Linda) Smith of Appleton, WI; two sisters, Mary Delvoye of Menomonee Falls, WI; Ann (Dan Beideck) Smith of Waterbury, VT; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Marian Smith.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 9, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the WAFER Food Panty or the La Crosse YMCA.
Death has no face,it has smiled upon Don. We grieve for your loss of a wonderful partner in life.
Bonnie & Ron
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Condolences to the families of Smith & Shoger.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are friends with Hannah and she was friend our son, Nick. Always remember the great memories.
Thank you Bonnie. There are many good memories of the times the kids all spent together.
Mike and I were sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We just wanted to let you know that our thoughts are with you.
As someone who was touched by Don and Kathy at the YMCA many years ago, I was heartbroken to here of Don’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to the families during this time of grieving.
I had the pleasure of caring for Don for a short period of time before my departure. He was such a kind and caring soul in the short time I knew him. I’m so sorry for your loss Kathy & family.
Sincerely,
Allison Grimsled (Brookdale)
Kathy, sending my most heartfelt condolences to you and your families ?. I am honored to have had the opportunity to care for Don on NoC shift at Eagle Crest South. He is/was a very special person. Always a smile and a small story to tell about his life. May he finally be at peace and whole again. Much love and many prayers to you all ????????❤️❤️❤️
So sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
The Netzer Family
Sending deepest sympathy to all of you. Don was one of my favorite cousins. He was always kind to me and taught me so much about life on the farm during our monthly visits. Don always had the best smile … I will always treasure the memories.