Tony Smolka

Tony S. Smolka lost his 3 year battle with cancer on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Woodland Hospice in Mt. Pleasant, MI. He fought it, but in the end, it became too much. His suffering is now over.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, Bannister, MI, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 20, 2016,  with Rev. Fr. Bill Gruden officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 from 2-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI. A Vigil Service will be held at 5:00, Tuesday at the funeral home in Ithaca.

Tony was born in Breckenridge, Michigan  on October 8, 1934, the son of Anton and Anna (Mikus) Smolka. He later moved to the North Star area where he spent the rest of his life.

On October 10, 1987 he married JoAnn Moore who survives him. Together they loved camping, fishing, hunting, and gardening his small patch of land. In 1992 he retired from General Motors as a General Foreman after 37 1/2 years of service.

He is survived by his sons; Michael Smolka of Prudenville, Larry Smolka (Brenda Boehmer) of Vestaburg, daughter Alicia Martens of Melbourne, FL, Step-sons; Michael Hawkes (Kay) of Grand Rapids, Ken Hawkes (Zoe) of Lynn, MA and Steven Hawkes of Elwell. Along with his special buddy Mickey, Aunt Christine Fisher of Ithaca, Uncle Frank Mikus of St. Louis, sister Mary Ann (Larry) Stehlik, sister in laws; Nancy Smolka of St. Louis and Carol Smolka of Bannister, brother in laws; Art Stratton of Merrill, Fred Moore of Grayling, Jim (Carol) Moore of Six Lakes, John (Ruth) Moore of Edmore, and sister in law Elaine (Dan) Abbott of Edmore. Six grandchildren and 2 great grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents Anton and Anna (Mikus) Smolka, In laws, Wayne and Helen Moore, son Gregory Smolka, brothers; Andy and Joe Smolka, sisters; Helen Stratton and Frances Smolka, granddaughter Victoria Smolka, and sister in law Nancy Moore.

Memorials may be made to the University of Michigan Cancer Fund or to Woodland Hospice, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com  . The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.