Donald Smolley ,of Montevideo, died on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at the Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital at the age of 89. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, December 29 at 1:30 P.M. at Salem Lutheran Church in Montevideo with Rev. Donald McKee officiating. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Montevideo. Visitation will be at the Anderson Funeral Home in Montevideo Monday afternoon and evening with the family present from 5-7:00 PM. Donald Jerome Smolley was born August 17, 1920 at Clarkfield, MN the son of Andrew and Annie (Droen) Smolley. He was baptized and confirmed at Clarkfield Lutheran Church and graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1938. After completing a course a Dunwoody Institute, he was employed by US Air Conditioning Corporation. Don served in the US Army Air Force during WW II and was stationed in Randolph Field, TX. He was united in marriage with Clarice Mitling November 2, 1946 at Minnehaha Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Don was employed by the Minneapolis Public Library and later served as the Superintendent of Buildings for seventeen years. He retired in 1979 after 31 years of service. He was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church where he was active on the council and various boards. Don also was a Cub Scout Leader. Because of his love for the outdoors and nature, they moved to their lake home at Park Rapids and joined Calvary Lutheran Church. He enjoyed fishing and all kinds of sports, especially football. He also enjoyed going for long walks, playing cards, and being with friends. In 1989, due to his failing sight, they moved to Montevideo to be near family. He joined Salem Lutheran Church and was a member of the Senior Citizens. In 1990, he volunteered to try a new stem cell eye surgery that had never been done before at the University of Minnesota Hospital. This was made possible through seven donors and after many surgeries he was blessed with 20/25 vision in one eye. After being legally blind for many years, he helped open the door for others who were blind be able to see. He will be remembered for never complaining but rejoicing for what he was able to do. He is survived by his wife, Clarice; his son, Craig Smolley and his wife Nancy of Otsego, MN; two step-granddaughters: Stacey (Chris) Orrock and Erica (Bryce) Siemback; two step-great-grandchildren: Connor and Riley Orrock; a sister-in-law, Shirley Smolley of Clarkfield, MN; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers: Calmer, Jay and Abner Smolley; four sisters: Evelyn Brock, Lillian Palmgren, Sadie Smolley, and Norma Jacobson; and one nephew, Dean Jacobson.