Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Kenneth Smolka Obituary
July 23, 1954 - June 14, 2025
Kenneth Joseph Smolka, of Petersburg, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, at the age of 70.
Ken Smolka was born on July 23, 1954, to Leonard and Lucille (Rutkowski) Smolka, in Toledo, Ohio. Graduate of GESU then St. Francis de Sales School in 1972. He then went on to attend college at The University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University and graduate with degrees in chemistry. Ken was a devoted pursuer of knowledge, member of Big Brother, along with belonging to the Toledo ski club in his younger years. He met his wife in Hong Kong while traveling. Ken worked at Jeep for over 35 years before retiring. He enjoyed his retirement swimming, reading, and spending time with his beloved wife and pets.
He is survived by his wife, Marietta, of 43 yrs; their four children, Lita, Josephine (Edwin), Roberto (Ashley), and Athena; his brother, Gary; his grandchildren, Lexy, Ryder, Mikey, Espi, Isabel, Lucille; and great-grandchild, Lili.
Though he may be gone, his stories, lessons, and love will live on forever in the hearts of his family, friends, and pets. We love him and miss him very much.
Visitation will be Friday, the 27th, at 10 a.m., St. Alphonsus church (Light of Christ), followed by the funeral and luncheon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Smolka
Sponsored by Cremation Society of Toledo.
Pat Olszewski
July 12, 2025
Dear Smolka family, please accept our deepest sympathy in your time of sorrow. Ken was a cousin to my deceased husband Bob. Ken was also in our wedding and at our home many times. I am sorry I missed his obit you see I myself last saw Ken for a treatment I was receiving at the Hickman Cancer Center when he was there also. We had a nice visit. But it has been months now since I have seen him. I myself just got out of the hospital so accept our apologies for not catching it. God's peace and blessings to you.
Linda DeFalco
June 27, 2025
We have great memories of Ken, Marietta and Athena. Ken always a happy caring man. You will be missed!
Richard Deak
June 26, 2025
I was in Ken's class at St. Francis. I remember Ken as a kind and thoughtful classmate with a great sense of humor. I was not surprised to read that Ken was committed to his family and that he enjoyed many of the same things that so many of us Knights have enjoyed through the years. I will keep Ken and your family in my prayers.
Rev. Ronald Olszewski, O.S.F.S>
June 26, 2025
Please accept the sympathy and prayer of the family of St. Francis de Sales School. Ken will always be considered a Knight of our school. Beginning in the fall of this year Ken will be remembered at our Annual Mass for Deceased Alumni, Faculty, and Staff, celebrated in our school chapel on the Sunday nearest November 1, All Saints' Day. Family and alumni friends will be invited to the service to pray with us.
Madison meyer
June 20, 2025
I was one of Ken´s night nursing assistants, Madi/Madison, at flower hospital for the few weeks he was there. He was such a wonderful gentleman, even in the midst of his pain he was still calling out to his wife to tell her she was beautiful and how lucky he was to be with her. How much he loved his daughter (I only seen one specially there but he loved all of his children he spoke of them when he could). He was so kind. His wife was an absolute angel and treated us staff with cookies and biscuits everyday, all while she was going through the hardest times I could imagine. This family felt very close to me, I brought home the worry of Ken´s well being on the days I didn´t work. I prayed everyday for Ken and his family. Anything that you need, reach out. Thank you for trusting me with such an amazing man´s care. 4192609042
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Kenneth Smolka's name
Memorial Events
for Kenneth Smolka
How to support Kenneth'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 Kenneth Smolka'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
