Life is often filled with what many people refer to as happy coincidences.

More than 30 years ago, David Smith was a member of the Luverne Chamber of Commerce when the State of Minnesota was trying to decide on a location for a new Veterans Home.

David attended that timely legislative session and lobbied representatives to vote for Luverne as the ideal site for the next state Veterans Home. One of his strongest selling points was that “this town always gives” and would consistently be willing to support the facility, no matter what. It only took one round of voting and Luverne was selected to provide an environment for Veterans where life was truly worth living – offering activities and interactions that Residents would find meaningful and enjoyable. David had the opportunity to tour during the campus’ construction process and was present at the ribbon cutting.

Three decades later, David is now a Resident at Minnesota Veterans Homes - Luverne.

The Early Years/Military Service

David was born in St. Paul in March 1942. As an infant, he was adopted by Harold and Helen Smith of Pipestone, Minnesota, where his father was a banker. The family then relocated to Luverne when David was a pre-schooler.

After graduating from high school, David went on to college. He was having the time of his life but, as he shared, wasn’t really being a very engaged student. His father gave him two choices: settle down and get serious about school or join the military, which his father thought would be an overall good choice for David. He enlisted in the Army and served from 1962-1965.

The Army sent him to school for finance in Indianapolis, an opportunity for David to follow somewhat in his father’s footsteps. He was then stationed in Bad Kreuznach, Germany with the 8th Infantry Division, where he was in charge of automating the 8th Infantry payroll system and supervising all keypunch operators. His team operated out of a truck that was often located near the border between East and West Germany.

David received an Army Accommodation Medal for organizing the automation of the 8th Infantry payroll and achieved the rank of E-5 specialized. He was given a one month “early out” which allowed him to miss being sent to Vietnam.

Some of David’s fondest military memories included extensive travel opportunities. David and his roommate, a Judge Advocate General (JAG) military attorney, enjoyed times at a campground on the Seven Hills of Rome, experienced the beauty of Paris and Cannes, and attended Oktoberfest in Munich. David smiled as he recalled they would get dressed up in their button-down shirts and ties for daytime adventures and then come back and crawl into their little pup tents at night!

David’s brother, Michael, also was proud to serve his country. He spent 16 years as a surgeon in the Navy and then cared for patients at various hospitals along the east coast, including Walter Reed Medical Center.

Post-Military Life

After leaving the Army, David attended Worthington Community College. Following graduation, he worked with his dad at the bank. Once his dad retired, David was offered the opportunity to join Tri-State Insurance, which later became Continental Western. After many years with the company, David changed careers and served as the Director of the Luverne Chamber of Commerce for 12 years. This position suited him well as David loved to talk to people and was a strong champion and promoter for the Luverne community. David completed his professional career by working 11 years at the Rock County History Center, where he had abundant contact with visitors and could continue to promote Luvene specifically and Rock County overall.

David was married to his wife Cloyce for 52 years. Cloyce was a beloved art teacher in Luverne and passed away in 2023. David notes they were blessed with two children, Mark and Carrie. While Mark passed away in his 20s, Carrie and her husband Chad currently live on a farm near Luverne and have provided David with three wonderful grandsons.

A New Life

After experiencing some health challenges, Carrie looked at several Homes in the area to assist with David’s care. He personally had not come back to the Luverne Veterans Home since the original ribbon cutting, but his wife had toured it a couple times and stated she felt he would be happy here. David said she always knew that he wanted to be here. From outside his room, he’s able to see the cemetery where his loved ones are buried, including his wife.

As a Veteran, David is happy to be able to utilize the many programs and services at the Home. He says that from day one the staff have been so friendly and are like his family. “Spending my golden years here is the best move I’ve ever made. I can’t think of any other place I’d want to go. From the day I came, I was happy and relieved to be here.”