Joseph Smolka

Joseph George Smolka, age 81, of Bannister, Michigan died Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at Sparrow Clinton Hospital, St. Johns, Michigan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cyril's Catholic Church Bannister, MI on Monday, December 9, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Rick Bokinskie and Rev. Fr. Andrzej Boroch officiating. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Gratiot County, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2013 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Michigan.

Joseph was born in Ashley, Michigan on March 16, 1932, the son of Anton and Anna (Mikus) Smolka. He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1951. On September 27, 1969 he married Carol Martinka at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Ithaca, Michigan. Joe served his country in the US Army. He worked for General Motors in Lansing, Michigan, retiring in 1991 after 38 years of service. Joe enjoyed listening and dancing to polka music, he also enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting. Joe's grandchildren were very important to him and he enjoyed spending time with them. He was a member of the ZCBJ #225 and a member of St. Cyril's Catholic Church, Bannister, Michigan.

He is survived by his wife Carol Smolka of Bannister, MI, daughter Colette and Wade Kremer of Bannister, MI, son Joseph Smolka of Crystal, Michigan, 2 grandchildren; Emma and Marcus, sister Mary Ann and Larry Stehlik of Ithaca, MI,
brother Tony and JoAnn Smolka of Ithaca, MI, sister in law Nancy Smolka of St. Louis, MI, brother in law Art Stratton of Merrill, MI, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, 2 sisters; Helen Stratton and Frances Smolka, and brother Andrew Smolka.

Memorials may be made to WOES Radio or ZCBJ Lodge, Bannister, Michigan. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, Michigan.

Read Joseph Smolka's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.