Don Kleinsmith of Adrian passed on at his home on February 9, 2025, at the age of 91.
Don was born in Monroe, Michigan on February 2, 1934. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1952, and went on to study at Eastern Michigan University where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Don taught in Anaheim, California, before returning to Michigan to work as Director of Student Activities at Eastern Michigan. It was at Eastern that Don met Louise Starr. Don and Louise married on January 27, 1968. They enjoyed 57 happy years of marriage and raised two children.
In 1970, Don began working at Adrian College, where he eventually became a professor of English and Business Communications. In his 45 years of teaching, Don helped and inspired countless students through his sincere care for them and his fun sense of humor. Don is in the Adrian College Faculty Hall of Fame, and the college’s writing center is named after him.
Don was an active member of the Christian Science Church in Adrian, where he served in many positions, out of his love for God and his neighbor. His sincere kindness and interest in the lives of others always motivated him in reaching out to help and to encourage others.
Don will be missed by his loving wife Louise, children Brian (Kitty Shao) Kleinsmith and Heidi (Robert) Salter, and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings.
A memorial service for Don will be held at Wagley Funeral Home on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Don and Louise Kleinsmith Scholarship at Adrian College or to the Lenawee Humane Society. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.