Smiel, Adalbert Joseph

1936-2017 Adalbert Joseph Smiel, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, at the age of 80. Dal or Al, as some knew him, was a 50 year resident of New Mexico. He was born in Chicago, Illinois and graduated from DeVry Technical Institute and attended the University of New Mexico. He was retired from a distinguished 26 year career at Sandia National Laboratories, and prior to that he had been employed at UNM’s Civil Engineering Research Facility at Kirtland AFB. Dal was an inventor, and even patented a gasoline-powered, free-flight model flying saucer that was sold in stores around the world. He proudly served 3 years as a reserve deputy for the Valencia County Sheriff’s Department. He enjoyed jogging, tennis, golf and he played a mean game of volleyball; he was a plinker and sometime deer hunter. Dal was also a driveway mechanic, household handyman and astute troubleshooter of any electrical or electronic problem. His later adventures included gold prospecting with his buddies and trips to the casino. Dal was also a member of Valley Lutheran Church in Los Lunas, NM.

Above all else, Dal was a loving husband and dedicated father to his five children, to whom he taught integrity and responsibility.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Joseph and Eleanor Smiel; sister, Florence Barber; granddaughter, Jasmyne Smiel; and great granddaughter, Jocelyn Smiel.

Dal is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, of the family home; his five children, Richard and his wife, Deana of Albuquerque, NM, Michael and his wife, Elaine of Edgewood, NM, Daniel and his wife, Evelyn of Albuquerque, NM, Scott and his wife, Lila of Logan, Utah and Sandra and her husband, Keith of Frederick, Maryland; his brother, Joseph and his wife, Gina of Belen, NM; eleven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of Goodlife Assisted Living and Memory Care in Los Lunas, NM and Ambercare Hospice for their caring attention to "Al" in the last months of his life.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 28 at Valley Lutheran Church, 3259 Highway 47 in Los Lunas beginning at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter, P.O. Box 21400, Albuquerque, NM 87154, in Dal’s name, to help find a cure and to support families caring for those with the disease. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448 where an online guest register is available at www.noblinfuneralservice.com