Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
06/28/1941
DIED
10/28/2025
FUNERAL HOME
John Smietanka Obituary
Funeral Mass 10:00 A.M. EDT Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St. Joseph, MI. Burial will follow 1:00 P.M. Thursday EDT at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Calumet City, IL. Visitation 4:00- 7:00 P.M. EDT Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Blues Fund-Two by Two Animal Hospital. Sign John's Memory Book online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
John was born June 28, 1941 in Chicago South Side to Allan J. & Virginia Smietanka. John attended Our Lady of the Ozarks & Our Lady of the Snows, graduated John Marshall Law School in 1968. John worked in the family firm of Smietanka & Garrigan prior to his move to Michigan where he served as the Berrien County Prosecuting Attorney and the United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.
John is survived by his daughter Carrie Smietanka-Haney (Michael Haney); two granddaughters-Bailey & Maggie Haney; his brother Raymond Smietanka; and fiancé Susan Frost. John's happiest role was that of a Father and Grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Smietanka
Sponsored by The Family.
Paul Taglia
November 6, 2025
Fine man, great lawyer, and dear friend. He will be missed...
Linda Fellows
November 5, 2025
I worked for John at the Berrien County Prosecutors Office from 1975 to 1981. He was a wonderful boss and an honorable man with a great sense of humor. Fond memories and my job there was never boring! Sad I missed the visitation. God´s blessings to John´s family! Sincere sympathy, Linda Karsten Fellows
Terry
November 2, 2025
I am proud to have known and worked with John for over forty years. I found him to be very bright, hard working, and most importantly, an ethical man sincerely trying to do justice. He set a very high standard as a United States Attorney for twelve years. I doubt his achievements will ever be surpassed. My sincere condolences.
Hal
November 2, 2025
What a shock to learn this . He was so wise , so kind, a great radio host, . an all around good lawyer...an honored . U. S. Attorney, .... a friend to many and my friend... I grieve with his family and many friends across the country . Hal Hardin, Nashville Tn.
Mary Hines
November 1, 2025
John's program "With Respect" on Harbor Country Radio and WSJM was appointment listening! A fascinating array of guests, such as Hollywood screenwriter John Schulian, the late Illinois governor James "Big Jim" Thompson, former Notre Dame women's basketball coach Muffett McGraw and many others. John was skillful with deep-dive interviews that captured the best of his guests. Thanks for many hours of fascinating listening. Rest in eternal peace, John.
thomas travis
October 31, 2025
I came into contact with John when he was Berrien County Prosecutor and I was a Trooper Detective in the early 70's. John was instrumental in bringing about the existence of the Berrien County Metro Narcotics Squad. At times I worked closely with John and enjoyed his wit. I feel a great loss at Johns passing and though I haven't seen him in recent years did have a conversation with him last year during the Janis Sanders Cold Case investigation. A kindred spirit I will miss him. Thomas A. Travis State Police Det. Sgt. Retired.
Robert ("Bob") DeJong
October 31, 2025
I have good memories of John--always a class act, a gentleman, and a tribute to his profession. Our sympathies to his family as they experience the void that he leaves behind. May his soul rest in peace!
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in John Smietanka's name
Memorial Events
for John Smietanka
Funeral services provided by:
Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Smietanka's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored