Donald C Smetak

Donald C. Smetak, 80, of Lugerville, died on April 5, 2023, after a courageous three year battle with blood cancer and was finally able to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born on August 26, 1942, to Andrew and Garnet (Briske) Smetak in Lugerville, Wisconsin. He passed away at home like he always wanted, beautifully surrounded by his family.

Donald began working for the Price County Highway Department in 1969, until his retirement in 1998. He met the love of his life, Rose Walbeck, and they married in May 1982. They had two children together, Derek and Ryan, but Donald took it upon himself to raise step-children as his very own.

After his retirement from the county, Donald worked seasonally at Rose Wreath from 1999 until 2017, as a wreath trimmer, and also loved to decorate wreaths for his own family. In his spare time, he loved to spend time with and take care of his family, Democratic politics, listening to polkas, gardening, picking mushrooms, visiting with friends, eating at Kounty Kafe and KFC, and shopping with his wife.

He is survived his wife of 40 years, Rose; their children, Derek (Candie) Smetak of Phillips, and Ryan Smetak of Phillips; step-children, George Anderson of Prentice, and Samantha (Ronnie) Murphy of Necedah, and two other step-children; his sister, Toni (Roger) Samuel of Phillips; brothers, Les (Karey) Smetak of Rib Mountain, WI, Jerry Smetak of Cottage Grove, Tennessee, and Larry (Vera) Smetak of Balsam Lake, WI; his grandchildren, Dominic Smetak, Archie Smetak, Hailie Anderson, Gavin Murphy, Jaeden Murphy, Jazmyn Murphy, and Daemen Murphy, and six other step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother (William Smetak), one sister (Virginia Christianson) and by various friends and extended family. Donald requested no funeral, burial, and celebration of life, as he feared it would bring too much sadness upon his loved ones. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is assisting the family.