SMITH, Donald L. 1940-2011

SMITH, DINGEL

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 3/25/2015 at 19:30:00

Donald Lee "Tony" Smith, 71 of Gladbrook, passed away on Thursday, September 08, 2011 at Westbrook Acres in Gladbrook while under the care of Iowa Hospice. He was previously under the care of his niece Angela Engelkes. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center, Iowa. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the funeral service at Holland Cemetery in Holland, Iowa; with military honors being conducted by the Grundy Center American Legion Post #349 and AMVETS 17.

Tony was born in Morrison, Iowa on February 21, 1940 to his parents Frank and Elizabeth Smith (Dingel). He graduated from Reinbeck High School. After graduation he began a career as a truck driver. Tony joined the United States Army in 1962. While in the army he attended diesel mechanic school. Upon his honorable discharge he worked as a mechanic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Tony returned to drive truck and did so for the rest of his career. He was united in marriage to his wife Marilyn on August 12, 1966. They made their home in Cedar Rapids and Grundy Center and spent many happy years together until her passing in 1989.

Tony was an avid NASCAR fan. He loved to go to the casino and enjoyed nature and the outdoors.

Tony is survived by his brother Larry (Eileen) Smith; sister-in-law Carol Smith and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marilyn; brother Gary Smith and niece Chandra.

--Abels Funeral Homes (www.abelsfuneralhomes.com)