David Smith 08/27/2026

David Wayne Smith, age 73, of New Richmond, Wisconsin, passed away at home with his family comforting him on August 27, 2026. He was born on February 26, 1953, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, to Delbert Wayne Smith and Arvilla Mae (Burton) Smith. David grew up in Downing, Wisconsin, and graduated from Glenwood City High School with the class of 1971.

On March 18, 1972, David married Karen Rae Obermueller at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forrest, Wisconsin. Together they built a loving family and a life rich with experiences. David with Karen, managed Dino’s Restaurant/Hotel in Wisconsin Dells and later worked at Columbia County Hospital/Homes in Wyocena, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Art Education/Health in 1978. He was a trained specialized orderly and Physical Therapy assistant. David was also trained in the Feldenkrais method and worked with children with disabilities. His kindness and caregiver’s heart made him a favorite among staff and patients. His artistic talents were recognized when his work was displayed and sold in art galleries in the Twin Cities area. He was a member of the Hill-Murray High School staff as a teacher of Advanced Art for ten years. David worked with students on projects like ‘Film in the Cities’. He also taught art for a year at Stillwater Junior High and various K-12 programs in Wisconsin and Minnesota and evening classes in Fibers at WITC (now Northwood Technical College). In 1983 he started his American Home Drawing business, where he was commissioned to draw family homes, businesses, cards, calligraphy and signs. Presently his latest art interest was a form of drawing pictures or phrases inside of picture.
In 1997, David took over Osceola Interiors in Osceola, Wisconsin, where he proudly served as a small business owner until 2020. His contributions to the community earned him the distinction of Osceola Business Man of the Year. His tag line etched into the glass of the front door window of the business was “Let’s play store. You be the customer” delighted many. David and Karen’s beloved church family is First Baptist Church of New Richmond for forty years. David enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including art, travel, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. David’s favorite hobby was riding the biggest roller coasters around the country. His wife Karen planned their trips around the locations of these roller coasters. He was known for his patience, dependability, strong faith, and sense of fun, leaving a positive impression on all who knew him.

David is survived by his High School sweetheart, best friend and loving wife, Karen Smith; children, Kyle Smith and Kaylani Rae Smith; bonus daughter, Michelle Hansen; granddaughters, JayLynn Rae and Aria Jai Smith and their mother Bobbi Jo Ogren; much loved siblings, Ethelyn (Doug) Schone, Karen Hansen, Alexa (Jimmy) Dean, Stacy (Jody) Smith-Link, Terry (Rod) Jahn, Mark Smith, Alan Smith and brother-in-law, Kendall (Ardie) Obermueller; Alicia (Obermueller) Swearingen; bonus brother, Ted Smith; along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and scores of students. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Arvilla Smith; an infant daughter; son, Jaime Smith; daughter-in-law, Heather Smith; in-laws, George and Esther Obermueller; and brother-in-law, Ken Hansen.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church, located at 341 North Shore Drive, New Richmond, Wisconsin. Visitation took place at the church from 12:00 to 2:00 PM preceding the service. Private interment followed in the New Richmond Cemetery. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral and Cremation Services.

Click here to watch the recording of David’s memorial service.