David Alan Smith

David Alan Smith

July 2, 1955-July 27, 2026

David Alan Smith, age 71, went home to be with the Lord in early morning hours of July 27, 2026, at Gundersen Tri-County Hospital, Whitehall. At the time he was a resident of Trempealeau County Healthcare Center where he had lived for two years. He previously lived for many years at Lakeview Health Center and Assisted Living Center in West Salem.

David was born on July 2, 1955, in Beaver Dam, the second of twin sons born to Rev. Melvin and Lillian Smith. He attended Lutheran elementary school at Calvary, Thiensville (north of Milwaukee) and First Lutheran, La Crosse and graduated from Luther High School, Onalaska in the Class of 1974. He was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church.

David’s passion was church music. Although he never had any formal music training, he had the uncanny ability to play by ear many familiar Christian hymns and the songs of the historic Christian liturgy. He particularly enjoyed playing the pipe organ (“making the rafters rattle”) and was a student of organ construction as well. He was employed at the La Crosse Garment Company in the 1980s, doing production work. In his adult years David navigated mental health challenges with the help of many dedicated medical and support professionals, and his family sincerely appreciates each of them for their skill, compassion, and devotion.

David is survived by two remaining siblings - a brother Thomas (Kristen) of Owatonna, MN and a sister Janet (Alan) Holm of New Ulm, MN, and by nieces, nephews and extended family. His parents pre-deceased him and Richard, his twin brother, passed away in 2024.

A private family grave-side service will be held in the future with interment at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park, Kenosha.