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Donald J. Smalter
Donald J. Smalter, 88, of Lawrence, KS passed away February 4, 2015 after a brief illness. No public memorial services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to World Food Program (www.wfpusa.org) or Feed the Children (www.feedthechildren.org).
Don was born in Menominee, Michigan, served in the U.S. Army in the Philippines, and graduated from Michigan Technological University with a degree in chemical engineering. He had a varied career in business and was both a writer and speaker on corporate strategic planning. He and his wife, Barbara, moved to Lawrence in 2005 to be closer to family members.
Don is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara Mansfield Smalter. He is also survived by their five children: Kent Smalter (Angela Nascimento), Janet Smalter (Mark Engelman), and Colleen Pederson (Todd), all of Lawrence, Ks. and Greg (Delia) Smalter and Martin (Jo) Smalter of Florida, fifteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Also his sister, Marilu (Basil) Duncan of Dumas, Texas.
He will be remembered by his family for a number of things, including his sincere and enduring love for his bride, his mixed marriage (he was conservative, she's liberal), his devotion to the Green Bay Packers, a fondness for ice cream, and his firm conviction that there is another life awaiting us on the other side. We hope he is now busy with his orientation in a better place.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Dear Barbara, I have been gone from Emmaus many many years, but Don's voice is still clear in my memory -- including but not limited to -- chats about the Green Bay Packers (as a cheesehead in CT I was delighted with Don's fandom). May he rest in peace and may you and yours know peace. Blessings, Ginny Finn
February 8, 2015
Barbara,
Your old friends from Stamford in the Emmaus Community remember you both fondly and we've missed you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Pauline Bailey
February 6, 2015
Barbara, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you as well as all the healing energy I can muster. I see you encased in God's love and white light.
Caitlyn Mayfair
February 6, 2015
Kent, Janet , and family . I am so sorry about your loss, I was just talking to Megan last week about the Smalters, and the relation between our families. You are in my prayers and thought , if there is anything I can do for you , please let me know.
scott weatherwax
February 5, 2015
The world is a sadder place with Don's passing. Not having family, I was fortunate to be included in many Smalter gatherings and I aways enjoyed spending time with Don. His zest for life was contagious and he always had a twinkle in his eye. I have many fond memories of sailing with him on a rare warm Thanksgiving, attending football games and just sitting on the deck talking politics. I'll never see a cheesehead without thinking of him. He was a true original and will be greatly missed.
Judy Jones
February 5, 2015
Peace. My condolences to the Smalter family.
Marty Olson
February 5, 2015
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