"As a fellow ad-man at Algona Publishing Company, Don Smith brought joy and humor to the sales department every day. Whenever I had a bad experience as a young rookie - he had a story to tell that made it all diminish in a flash. Don was honest, to a fault, loyal to his co-workers and to his employer and taught me more about cuts of meat for grocery ads than I will ever remember. Algona and APC were better places because of Don Smith. Trudy - my deepest sympathies. Sincerely, Jeanne Rauth Sheehan "
In loving memory of
Donald C. Smith
August 9, 1922 - October 16, 2011
A memorial service for Don is tentatively being scheduled for November 6, 2011. More details will be announced once they are finalized.
Donald Charles Smith was born August 9, 1922, in Algona, Iowa, the son of Donald P. and Myrtle (Carlon) Smith. Growing up in Algona, he attended public school, graduating from Algona High School in 1940. He went on to attend Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. After his schooling he was employed for three years at the Puget Sound Navy Yard in Bremerton, Washington from 1943-1945.
On July 19, 1952, Donald was united in marriage to Gertrude "Trudy" Jensen at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. After their marriage they lived in Algona and Don worked with the Algona Upper Des Moines newspaper until his retirement in June of 1995.
Don enjoyed visiting and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was very much interested in sports and was active in football, basketball, golf and track in high school. He finally gave up playing softball when he was 50 years old. He also enjoyed building small toy cars and trucks and collecting records, sports card and baseball books. Don was a member of St. Cecelia Parish and a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council #952 in Algona and the Algona Jaycees. Don was inducted into the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame in 2008 as a media member.
Don died Sunday, October 16, 2011, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. He was 89.
He is survived by his wife, Trudy of Algona; children, Dan and wife Val Smith of Merrill; Bill Smith of Bricelyn, Minnesota; Martha and husband Chuck Davis of Spring Valley, Wisconsin; six grandchildren, Peter, Philip, Ellie, Abby, Pearl and Julian; and his beagle, Luke.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Craig Smith.
Tributes
"Having known Don for most of my life has been a blessing. Don exemplified loyalty - to his family, his employer, his ball players and his community. Working with him allowed me to experience dependability, honor and dedication. He was a good mentor and friend. My sympathies to Trudy and the children for their loss. I am so glad I got to know this good man. - Dennis Waller, The Chronicle, Centralia, WA"
"Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you & your family, Trudy. It was always a joy to run in to you & Don in the grocery store once in awhile. Even after all these years it was always evident that you & Don were still smitten with each other! It's been sooo many years since Don & Trudy were close friends with Bill & Cookie. Way back when your boys were Danny & Billy"
"10/25/'11 Don was an exceptional man who cared very much about everyone and even if he didn't know them-he always offered a friendly word. I always enjoyed reading his "Ink Spots" in the Algona, Iowa Newspaper. To Trudy and Families-your loved one has gone to his reward in heaven and God has him as a servant amongst all the many angels in Heaven. May you all treasure your memories of Don. He will truly be missed but not forgotten. God Has another Angel in Don now to watch over you all. With Sincerest Prayers, Sympathies and Fond Memories, Mark J. VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota-(formerly of Algona, Iowa)."
"Trudy, So sorry to hear about Don. We will truly miss him. It just won't be the same not seeing him on the front porch when we drive by. He will always be in our hearts and our memories. "
"Many thanks for the kind comments about Dad's life. Sunday we gathered at Mom's house and while there decided that a large get together will be too much for Trudy to withstand presently. Therefore there will be no organized memorial service for the community to attend. We are reading the posts here to her and they bring back fond memories for her. Sincerely, The Don Smith Family."
"Words cannot express enough what Don meant to me - and that is weird coming from a newspaper background but here goes... he was a joy to be around and grow up with over the years. Don was not only a dedicated and loyal employee for the paper but a sincere and kind man. His love for Big Band music was inspiring - as well as his vast knowledge and love of sports. He kept AHS game stats that dated back many years in perfect penmanship that he shared with us years later as we grew up. His upbeat attitude and humor lightened up everyone. His love of family, loyalty and dedication at work, love of people and community will always be remembered. My sympathies go out to the Smith family. Don was indeed one of a kind. Thank you Don for enriching my life. - 30- "
""If all the world had a front porch like Don & Trudy's, We'd still have our problems but we'd all be called friends Treating your neighbor like he's your next of kin Wouldn't be gone with the wind If the world had a front porch like Don & Trudy's!" We will miss our chats, the waves, the laughs and tears shared on that front porch with Don! Trudy, our love is with you & your family! Phil & Linda"
"Don was more like a big brother to us than an extra set of hands at daycare. We would always light up when he would walk through the door. I remember counting down the days untill we could put our best hot-wheels car up against his and try to leave him in our dust. You might beat him once but never best out of three. He will be missed."
"Don was a very fun loving guy. The matchbox car races in his basement when I was in daycare at Don and Trudy's was one of my best memories of Don. He must have had a secret to making them matchbox cars fast because none of us kids could ever beat him. He will be missed by many people. My thoughts and prayers go out to Trudy and the rest of Dons family."
"I`ll always remember the hotwheel races he used to set up for the kids when Trudy baby sat for us. He was a very nice man and will be dearly missed. Thanks to Trudy and Don for making the responsible adults they are today. I`m so sorry for your lose."
"Dan, my condolences to you and your family. I liked your dad and got to talk to him from time to time over the years. He made me feel good inside one day when he told me that he liked the way I handled you when you pitched that summer of 1969. I always enjoyed catching for you and I thought that was a nice thing for him to say. May God be with you and your family during your time of sorrow. You are in our prayers."
"Don has brought many memories of his work at the Upper Des Moines. He was so active with the youngsters and with us older folk playing softball. He will be rememberd for all the many nice things he has done for so many. Phil Diamond"
"I have very fond memories of Don from the days when I went to daycare with Trudy and him. One of my favorite childhood memories is racing matchbox cars in Trudy and Don's basement. Don always had the best cars! In the last few years, it's been great to come back to Algona and run into Trudy and Don at Daylight Donuts or in the grocery store. Don was always so eager to hear about what my family and I were up to. Don will definitely be missed. Trudy, my family and I appreciate all that you and Don have done for us over the years."
"My prayers go out to the extended family and many friends he had in Algona. I was one of those kids who played with the wooded roller derby cars along with his son Dan Smith, a childhood friend and also friend to this day and YES we had FUN! My step-dad Phil Diamond was a long time friend of Don as well. Phil is 81 and lives in a beautiful Retirement Home in Vancouver, WA only about 20 minutes away from my home in Portland, OR. They were both civic minded, both announced at the Kossuth County Raceway, they knew Don from the Upper Des Moines paper since Phil did a lot of advertising for his Diamond's Store in Algona. Phil sold the store in 1985. Don lived a remarkable life and enriched the lives of all who met him. Don, your work is done here on Earth and it is now time to rest in Eternal Peace. God Bless you and your family. Bob Stillman"
"Trudy and family, Working at the newspaper with Don for quite a number of years, I have many special memories. He always stopped by my desk to say "good morning" and would have some little joke or news to tell. He will be missed. Just know he has been in my prayers as I promised him a week ago Sunday morning, and that will continue for all of you. Phyllis "
"Such wonderful memories my family and I have of Don and the whole Smith family. We were all saddened when we heard of his passing. In recent times - whenever I came to Algona my sisters and I would drive by our old house (next door to the Smiths) and more times then not Don and Trudy would be sitting out on their front porch so we would stop in to say Hi. It was always more then "Hi" that was said because we would always reflect back on all the great memories we had growing up next to the Smith family on Wooster Street. My thoughts and prayers are with you Trudy, Dan, Bill and Martha. Don Smith will always hold a special place in mine and all my siblings hearts. "
"Trudy and family: Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. We will all miss him, but we know he is at peace. Craig Smith family: Mary Corinne, Linda, Mike and Mikki, Bob and Kristi, Steve and Maureen."
"The Sullivans and Smiths go back a long time, through four generations of friendship. I treasure my memories of growing up next door to Don, Sr., and Dot, and then, years later working at the paper with Donny (he was always Donny to me!) - Bing also thought the world of him - we will miss him so much! Our love and prayers are with Trudy and the family."
"Dad always had time to play with the kids in the neighborhood. From racing model cars down a ramp he built, to softball in the (what seemed at the time large) front yard. The trademark of these recreational times was that "perfect" wasn't the goal, "fun" was. We all had fun. I am proud of your philosophy Dad, and will always love you."
"Trudy, I was so suprised to hear the passing of Don.. I just saw you guys a couple days ago. You have my thoughts & prayers... Don was loved by all.. He will surely be missed . God must wanted another angel... "
"Trudy....this Judy. Mark and I are so very sorry for your loss. Don was always a very special person. Our prayers to you and your family."
"Don was a friend to all athletes from Algona. I thank him for his involvement in all Algona sports."