KEWAUNEE – The Kewaunee Senior Center marked its 45th anniversary on Sept. 21 with a celebration at the Community Congregational Church. Guests enjoyed a performance by local musician Mike Peterson, along with complimentary meals and gift bags provided through support from the Donald and Jean Smith Fund.
The event featured a poem reading by Robin Nelson and a cake made and donated by Karen Kinstetter.

Following the program, attendees stayed to play cards for the afternoon.

The senior center has operated without a dedicated facility since 2016. When its previous space above the city fire station closed eight years ago, the Community Congregational Church stepped up to host the organization’s regular meetings.

To improve accessibility, the Donald and Jean Smith Fund awarded a $160,000 grant in 2026 to help fund renovations at the church while local organizers continue searching for a permanent site.

The grant will match half the cost of upgrading the facility’s kitchen, fellowship hall and restroom facilities.
“We are doing this because the senior community needs a place to meet as well as other community groups you host,” said Cindy Tang, a representative for the fund. “We are proud to partner with the church on this project.”

About the Donald and Jean Smith Fund

The fund honors the legacy of Don and Jean Smith, who moved to Kewaunee in 1964. Don was a dedicated employee of Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), and Jean served as a secretary within the Kewaunee school system. Though not high-income earners, the Smiths lived frugally and invested wisely throughout their lives.
Following Jean’s passing in 2018, half of their estate was dedicated to creating a fund specifically designed to benefit Kewaunee-based projects.