Funeral services for Donald L. Smith of New Richland will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Congregational Church in New Richland. The Rev. Pamela Jensen will officiate. Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery in New Richland. Military honors will be accorded by the New Richland American Legion.

Donald died Friday, May 6, 2016, at New Richland Care Center. He was 96.

Donald was born April 30, 1920, in New Richland, 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 United States Army and upon discharge returned to New Richland. On June 8, 1952, he was united in marriage to Audreene Olson at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Hartland.

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 grandchildrens 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; and 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. She is also survived by sisters-in law, Marilyn Smith of Owatonna and Audrey Bethke of Pinkney, Michigan; and 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.