David L. Smail

David L. Smail, 81, of Goodman, Wisconsin went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 19, 2023. David was born April 2, 1942 in Platteville, Wisconsin, the son of the late Arthur and Lenys Smail. David was married at the age of 18 to Dianne Kopp also of Platteville. He assumed the great responsibility of running the family farm when his Father was killed in a farm accident at an early age. His life took a major turn on November 17, 1974, when he and Dianne (on the same night) received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He began to serve faithfully at Calvary Baptist Church of Platteville, where he preached at Nursing homes and served as the Principal of the Christian school. In 1979 David left the farm to return to college to prepare for full time ministry. David attended Northland Baptist Bible College in Dunbar, Wisconsin, and graduated at the top of his class. That was quite a feat for a married man with three children and a full-time job. Shortly after graduation he became the Pastor of Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Goodman, Wisconsin. He also worked at Northland Baptist Bible College as the assistant director of buildings and grounds. He later retired from Northland in 2007 but continued to preach in Goodman until 2021. As a young man his passions were farming, his horses, political involvement, water skiing, hunting, fishing, and a love of firearms. In his later years he remained involved in politics, he loved his involvement in the Church and would still enjoy a conversation about firearms. He will forever be remembered as the man with a plan to fix anything, help his friends and neighbors with any project, his love for the Lord and the Bible. David is survived by his wife of 63 years: Dianne Smail, children: Kathryn (Jim) Schneider, Steve (Sharon) Smail and Michael (Susan) Smail, sisters: Darlene Johnson, Patricia VanGennep and Delores Roberts, 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends and family may gather at Lighthouse Baptist Church of Plainwell, Michigan, 12220 Cressey Rd. on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 10:30 AM. A graveside service for David will be held at 11:00 AM at Cressey Cemetery, Plainwell, Michigan. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.familyfuneralcareindy.com for the Smail family.