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BORN
1934
DIED
2017
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James Smolarek Obituary
James M. "Smokey" Smolarek, age 83, of Plover, WI died Monday, July 24, 2017 at Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield, WI.
Memorial Services are 11:00 AM Friday, July 28, 2017 at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Father John Swing will officiate. The family will greet relatives and friends at Ritchay Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00 PM Thursday and Friday from 10:00-11:00 AM.
Jim was born May 19, 1934 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Leo and Ruby (Brennan) Smolarek. He married Karen Hoff on December 8, 1979 in Las Vegas, NV. Jim was employed at Consolidated Papers Inc for 42 years retiring in 1994 as an Instrumentation and Electrical supervisor.
Jim served in the U.S. Army in the late 1950's. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and golfing. Jim was a long time member of Bull's Eye Country Club. He was a big sports fan, especially for the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and NASCAR racing.
Jim is survived by his wife, Karen; four children, Lynn (Bernard) Berger of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Michael James (Barbara) Smolarek of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Anne (David) Ginter of Vesper, WI and Patrick (Laura) Smolarek of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; 8 grandchildren, Dale (Kristy) Ninneman, Rachel Berger, Jacob Berger, Hunter Smolarek, Nathan (Amanda) Smolarek, Emily Ginter, Jenna Ginter and Nicole Bires; six great grandchildren and one brother, John Thomas (Veronica) Smolarek of Indian River, MI.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert Smolarek.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Smolarek
Sponsored by Ritchay Funeral Home - Wisconsin Rapids.
Dahlman family
August 3, 2017
Fond Memories of Smokey..Our Sympathies go out from our family to yours..
The Dahlman Family
Troy & Scottie Koback
July 27, 2017
Karen and family,
We are shocked and saddened by Smokey's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Smokey will be missed greatly.
TK and Scottie Koback
July 27, 2017
Dale and Family
Sorry for your loss
July 26, 2017
Karen & Family,
Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry & Pam Hilgendorf
Keith & Connie Rutlin
July 26, 2017
Karen & family, We are very sorry to hear of Smokey's passing. He was a truly special man and we will always has our fond memories of our time together. Sending thoughts and prayers to you all.
July 26, 2017
Karen, I am so sorry to hear about Jim's passing, my thoughts & prayers go out to you. Kathy Kubisiak
Curt Pluke
July 26, 2017
Pat and family,
So sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed playing golf with Jim years ago at the Ridges. He was a good man.
July 26, 2017
Smokey's Family,
We will miss Smokey. He was such a great smiling happy man.
Our thoughts are with you.
Peg & Russ Brody
Herman & Beverly Krausse
July 25, 2017
Karen & family: So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We so enjoyed your visits to Oklahoma and we extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
July 25, 2017
We will all miss Smokies smiley face and friendly demeaner as he awaits Pats meeting for their daily golf outing. Such a relationship between father and son is a joy to behold in today's distant world. Rest In Peace my friend.
Merlin
Mary Christianson
July 25, 2017
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He always had a welcoming smile and greeting! Thinking of you, Karen and your family!- Mary Christianson
Carrie Nelson
July 25, 2017
Karen
So sorry for your loss...thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I enjoyed seeing the 2 of you on Friday nights at Sky Club. Rest in peace Smokey ❤
Daryl and Adrienne Kingery
July 25, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rick & Kathy Hildebrandt
July 25, 2017
Karen, We are so sorry to hear about Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Paul Henke
July 25, 2017
Karen and Family,
May God comfort you all at this difficult time. Smokey was a genuine man and an honor to be around! He will be missed. I had the privilege of a memorable round of golf with him at the McCarville Jamboree two years ago. I enjoyed my time with him. Pat, as you know, your father was an awesome man. Until we all meet again, God's Peace!
Rhonda Ewert Bowman
July 25, 2017
Lynn, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. My heart aches for you all. My thoughts, and prayers go out to his entire family and friends.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
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Memorial Events
for James Smolarek
Jul
27
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Ritchay Funeral Home - Wisconsin Rapids1950 12th St South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-0847
Jul
28
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Ritchay Funeral Home - Wisconsin Rapids1950 12th St South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-0847
Jul
28
Memorial service
11:00 a.m.
Ritchay Funeral Home - Wisconsin Rapids1950 12th St South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-0847
Funeral services provided by:
Ritchay Funeral Home - Wisconsin Rapids1950 12th St South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-0847
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