Donald (Don) J. Smisek Sr.
Donald (Don) J. Smisek Sr., age 83, of Lonsdale, MN passed away peacefully at Lakeville BeeHive Homes on April 17, 2024, with family by his side. He fought a long and courageous battle with dementia. Don is preceded in death by sons Tommy and Dennis, and parents Joe B and Helen Smisek. Don was born June 2, 1940, on a family farm in Webster Township. He attended Lonsdale Catholic School through 8th grade and graduated from New Prague High School in 1959. He served in the US Marine Corps for 4 years. Don served 38 years with the Lonsdale Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (where he was the fire chief for 8 years), and he was a member of the Lonsdale American Legion Post 586 for over 30 years (where he was the past Post Commander).
Survived by his very loving wife, Molly of 62 years; Sons Donnie Jr. (Denise Chlan), Jeff, and Bruce; 9 grandchildren Nicole (Daryl) Smith, Cory, Brittany (Grant) Erickson, Megan (Parker) Holey, Travis, Ryan, Alexis, Alexander, and McKenzie; and 2 great grandchildren Bridget and Watson. Also survived by siblings Larry (MaryAnn) Smisek, Kathy Smisek, Bernie (Betty) Smisek, and many other relatives & friends.
Don was heavily involved in his local community where he and Molly built a life around their family business, Home Oil Company & Molly’s Mini Mart, which they ran for over 40 years. Don enjoyed running his business, was a long-term snowmobile course instructor, supporting his family, attending parades with the fire department and legion, attending church, listening to polka music, an occasional boating trip at the lake, and supporting his community (he may have pulled one or two of you out of the ditch).
Gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday April 22nd from 4-8pm and 1hr prior to Mass on Tuesday April 23rd at White Funeral Home – 201 5th Ave NW, Lonsdale, MN 55046. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday April 23rd at the Immaculate Conception Church of Lonsdale, at 11am. Interment at Lonsdale Calvary Cemetery. Luncheon to follow at the Lonsdale American Legion.
Military Honors provided by Lonsdale American Legion Post 586.
Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com
