MADISON - Donald G. “Smitty” Smith, age 83, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly, but with family at his side, on Thursday, February 20, 2025. He was born on September 15, 1941, in Ashland, the son of Donald B. and Frances (Tankersley) Smith.

Don was a Boy Scout throughout his youth, and in 1957 he attended the International Boy Scout Jamboree at Valley Forge. He graduated from Ashland High School with the class of 1959 and Northland College in 1963. In the fall of that year, Don started graduate school at Washington State University at Pullman, but left his studies to enlist in the National Guard where he served as a supply and company clerk. Following his discharge, Don began working in finance, a lifelong interest of his. During his first job as a paperboy for the Ashland Daily Press, Don was already investing most of his wages. While working at the FDIC, he became enchanted by a beautiful colleague, soon to be his beloved wife and the best thing to ever happen to him, Ann Schantz. They were married on September 5, 1981, at Hope Lutheran Church and soon started building their family. As Don’s career and family grew, they relocated to both Minnesota and Kansas, building friendships and community in each location. In 1996, Don was lucky enough to take early retirement and return the family to their Wisconsin homeland. To entertain himself during Wisconsin’s long winters, Don spent the next 20 years working seasonally at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

Don was known by all to be a kind and gentle man. He took great joy in life’s simple pleasures: reading, traveling, gardening, and spending time in nature bird watching, skiing, or riding his motorcycles. He loved music and listened to a wide variety at home and in live concerts whenever he could. Above all, the activity that brought him the most joy was spending time with those he loved. He was very close to his family and extended family, and attended as many gatherings, sporting events, concerts, and activities as he possibly could.

Don is survived by his wife, Ann; children, Sarah (Patrick Stoffel) Smith, Ben (Sarah Boehm) Smith and Becki (Pete Flanner) Smith; sister, Kathryn (Arvid) Plein; nieces, Marty (Bob) Gustafson and Michelle (Kyle) Harper; and nephews, Richard (Andrea) Schantz and Ted (Casey) Wilkinson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at OAKWOOD EAST TREE OF LIFE CHAPEL, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, with Chaplain Wayne Shannon presiding. Visitation will be held at the chapel from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

The family is requesting no flowers, instead memorials may be made to the Oakwood Foundation or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Donald G Smith

September 15, 1941 - February 20, 2025

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