Joseph J Smyczek

Born to Eternal Life on October 11, 2024 at the age of 97 years. Beloved father of Greg (Carol) Smyczek, Mark (Cris) Smyczek, and Mary Ellen (David) Rasmussen. Proud grandpa of Owen Smyczek and Carlen Smyczek. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Walenty and Francis Smyczek, his loving wife, Emily (nee Janocik), and his siblings, Louie, Margaret, Marion, Sophie, Ted, and Anna. Joe grew up in Milwaukee, WI. He attended St. Stanislaus High School where he was an outstanding basketball player and was featured in many Journal/Sentinel articles. After graduating from high school in 1945 just as the war ended, Joe served in the U.S. Army. When he returned home, he helped with his family grocery store and briefly attended Marquette University. After working at the U.S. Postal Service, he joined Allen Bradley where he spent most of his career as an Inventory Controller, retiring after 37 years. He married the love of his life, Emily, in 1950. Happily married for 38 years, they enjoyed a wonderful life together until her passing in 1988. As a longtime parishioner of St. Adalbert’s, he was a member of the Holy Name Society, CYO basketball coach and special events volunteer. He enjoyed his activities with the Gold Star Post - American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Moose Club, Last Man’s Club and First Friday Men’s Club. Volunteering at Allen-Bradley events was one of Joe’s many passions, which he continued through retirement. He played many sports throughout his life including basketball, baseball, dart ball and bowled in a league until he was 85. Later in his life, his passions turned to watching Wisconsin sports teams, Lawrence Welk reruns and old movies. Joe always enjoyed spending time with family, his children and grandchildren and friends. Even as his health and memory started to fade, his faith, family and friends remained sources of joy. The family would like to express gratitude to the Castle Senior Living Care and Hospice Teams for their kind and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Boys Town https://www.boystown.org or School Sisters of Notre Dame https://www.ssndcentralpacific.org/give are appreciated. Visitation Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 9:00-10:15 AM at ST. MARY CATHOLIC FAITH COMMUNITY (9520 W. Forest Home Ave, Hales Corners) followed by the celebration of Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Entombment at St. Adalbert Cemetery on Monday, October 21 at 1:00 p.m. for those who would like to attend. (Please meet at cemetery entrance.)