Donald “Digger” Dean Smith, age 62, of Cedarville, Michigan, passed away at his home, on February 28, 2025. He was born on September 5, 1962, in St. Ignace, Michigan, to Don and Donna (Mielke) Smith, who both preceded him in death.
Donald lived his whole life in Cedarville and graduated from Cedarville High School with the class of 1980. He worked many jobs growing up, including Ken’s Standard Station, Nye Construction, Pollard Construction, & Flotation Docking Systems, but his favorite place to be was in the woods, logging with his equipment. That was truly his happy place!
Aside from working in the woods, he enjoyed his daily rounds as the unofficial “Neighborhood Watch”. The people of Cedarville were safer because of it.
You could also bet that his pockets were full of Milk Bone’s for when he was greeted by the dogs, when visiting his Amish friends.
His gruff exterior disguised a heart of gold and his infectious smile and colorful, witty personality will be remembered by many. Your life really was better with him in it!
Donald is survived by the love of his life, Kristi Steffen; sister, Nina Smith; nephews, Nathan (Meghan), Dylan (Kaalin), Derek (Mickayla) and Gordy (Carlie); great-nieces Laila and Azalea; great-nephew, Owen; and many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends that will feel this loss.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM at Family Life Funeral Home, 24549 S. M-129 Pickford, MI 49774. The Memorial Service will follow at 1:00 PM.
Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
