Donna Smith

1938 - 2025

Donna Smith
Born: July 8, 1938
Died: December 25, 2025
Surrounded by her loving family, Donna Smith passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI, after a brief illness. She will forever be remembered for her service and love for her community.
Donna was the first woman to be elected to the German Valley Village Board, becoming a trustee in 1983 and retiring after 40 years of service. A member of the German Valley Lions Club, she was also editor of its monthly newsletter, "The Lions Tale." Among her many accomplishments are being named a Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellow and a Melvin Jones Fellow. She was the co-founder of the German Valley Historical Society & Museum. She was an active member of Silver Creek Reformed Church, where she was previously employed as editor of the church's monthly newsletter, Silver Creek Connection, and fill-in secretary. She served on the Board of Directors and on various committees at Malcolm Eaton Enterprises. Donna received the Freeport YWCA's Woman of Excellence Award in 2004. For over 30 years, Donna was on the German Valley Days planning committee. Her love for and dedication to German Valley was apparent to all who knew her, being named German Valley Area's Most Valuable Person in 1995.
Donna Muzette (Greenfield) Smith was born on July 8, 1938, in Freeport, IL, to parents Henry and Toria (Sanders) Greenfield. She was a 1956 graduate of Pleasant Prairie Academy in German Valley. She attended the University of Dubuque, and graduated from Northwestern University School of Dental Hygiene, Chicago, in 1959.
She married Harm Smith on August 22, 1959, at Silver Creek Reformed Church in German Valley. Her husband passed away on December 10, 1992. After graduating, Donna was employed as a dental hygienist in the office of Dr. Daniel H. Griffiths in Freeport. She enjoyed working with words and expressed herself best in writing, leading her to a second career in journalism. She was employed by North Central Associated Publishers in Durand, IL. She was German Valley's correspondent to the Stephenson County Scope, later becoming the publication's editor. She wrote a weekly column entitled "Donna's Data."
Raising five children along with her husband was her proudest achievement. The times she cherished most were those spent with her family, enjoying involvement in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed visiting historical points of interest in the United States and trips to Branson, Missouri.
Survivors include her sons, Todd (LaWanda) Smith and Trent Smith, both of Freeport; daughters,: Starr (Joel) Flemming of Freeport and Heather (Bryan) Politsch of Forreston; grandchildren, Aaron (Becky) Rogers, Kyle Rogers, Jeremy (Kayla) Rogers, Jadie Smith, Gavin Smith, Courtney (Bryson) Reyes, Bailey Flemming, Austin Flemming, Braden Politsch, Lacey Politsch, and Connor Politsch; and several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Toby Rogers; sister-in-law, Pat Smith; and special friends: Bill & Ruth Jewell, Norman & Eunice Miller, and Leslie Phillips.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Harm; father and mother; brother, Henry Jr. who died in infancy; and daughter, Dawn (Toby) Rogers.
A visitation will be held Friday, January 2, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Silver Creek Reformed Church in German Valley, IL. Because Donna was a long-time Chicago Cubs fan, her family requests friends and relatives attending her visitation wear their Chicago Cubs attire. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026, with a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. A burial ceremony in Silver Creek Cemetery will follow services.
Memorials may be made to German Valley Historical Society, Silver Creek Reformed Church or the German Valley Lions Club. To share a memory or condolence please visit www.olsonfh.com