Donald Smestad, 69, longtime Minot resident and evangelist went home to heaven on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 in a Minot hospital with his loving family at his side.

Donald Ray "Don" Smestad was born on February 14, 1950 in Minot to Morris and Marles (Harstad) Smestad. He was raised and educated in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1969. Don was drafted into the U.S. Navy and served from 1969 until 1973 with one of those years being in Vietnam. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1974 until 1976. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy he returned to Minot and was employed as a fireman at the Minot Air Force Base.

Don married Beverly Karlsbroten on September 12, 1975 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Douglas, ND. They made their home in Minot where he continued with the MAFB Fire Department until 1980. Then, in 1979 he became self employed as a salesman of Conklin Products as Smestad Coatings and Sales selling and installing roofing and painting products until he retired in 2017. Beverly died on January 30, 2008.

Don was a member of First Assembly of God and was passionate as an evangelist. He especially enjoyed reading, motorcycling, studying the bible and drumming for the Red Birds. He was known as one of the best drummers in Minot while with the band.

Donald's loving family includes his children: Sara (Kevin) Timm and Jason (Kasey) Smestad all of Minot and Joshua (Ashley) Smestad of Surrey; grandchildren: Tiara, Andrew and Emma Conrey, Kaesin Timm, Avery, Kinsley and Hanna Smestad and another one due in October; siblings: Lois Zahn of Surrey, Linda (Del) Newman of Lemmon SD, Mary (Tim) Lingelbach of Riverdale, LeRoy (Sherri) Smestad and Ron Smestad both of Minot and Karen (Ross) Carter of Sherwood; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother: Leonard.

Celebration of the Life of Donald Smestad: Monday, April 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at First Assembly of God - Minot.
Interment will be at Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.

Don Smestad Flower Pictures