Donald Smies

Donald G. Smies, 87, of 703 Minnesota Avenue, Oostburg, died at his home on Wednesday afternoon, July 1, 2009 with his family at his side following a short illness. Donald was born on July 18, 1921, the son of the late Lewis and Tillie (Graven) Smies. He attended Oostburg High School. Donald served in the US Navy during World War II from 1943-46. He married the former Corinne Dekker in Sheboygan on March 7, 1947. Donald was an operator engineer for Gabes Construction Co. for 31 years before his retirement in 1980. Donald was a longtime member of the Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Oostburg, the Oostburg Christian School Board, and the Crossroads Prison Ministry. He enjoyed fishing, sailing, flying his plane, reading, traveling worldwide, woodworking, carpentry, and designing homes. Donald treasured any time he could spend on Lake Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Corinne; two daughters, Patricia (Peter) Holwerda of Bellflower, CA and Peggy (Jim) Bode of Holmes Beach, FL; six grandchildren, Michelle (Kevin) Suwyn, Cindy (Steve) Nederveld, Melanie (Kevin) Hommes, Joel Holwerda, Rachel (Anthony) Tucker, and Laura (Thadd) Davis; twelve great grandchildren; one brother, Robert Smies of Sheboygan Falls; two sisters-in-law, Tannie (Chet) DeBlaey and Wilma Dekker; and two brothers-in-law, Marvin (Ruth) Dekker and Norman Feringa, all of Sheboygan. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Lewis Smies Jr.; his sister-in-law, Josephine Smies; and a nephew, Ron Smies. Viewing of the body and visitation will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2009 at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg from 3-6 pm. There will be no viewing on Monday. Following burial on Monday morning at Oostburg Cemetery, a memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm at the Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Oostburg with the Rev. John Tinsley officiating. Online condolences may be sent to www.wenigfuneralhome.com A memorial fund is being established in his memory for the Oostburg Christian School and the Sheboygan County Christian High School. The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving the Smies family.

Service

Monday, July 6, 2009 1:30 PM
Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church
609 Center Avenue Oostburg 53070, United States