Michael Smentek, 80

Michael Smentek, 80, of Traer, died on December 22nd, 2022, peacefully at home surrounded by family. He was born in Chicago on July 22nd, 1942, to Mabel and Joseph Smentek, the third of four siblings. He was raised in Chicago where he attended Roosevelt High School. On October 12th, 1963, he married Jeannine Myskow and officially became her Prince. Michael worked as a machinist at Continental Can in Chicago for almost 30 years. He and his family enjoyed yearly camping and fishing trips to the Upper Peninsula. He worked hard as a dad of five who took his kids to the beach on summer mornings, played with them in the lake and made lunch, all before working the second shift and often taking on other odd jobs at midnight.

In 1999, he and Jeannine moved to Traer, where he became known as “Chicago Mike.” He enjoyed spending time around friends and family, cooking for his wife, watching game shows and going on drives to Hickory Hills to see the elk. Michael was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and Da Bears. He will be remembered for his delicious homemade “Zupa,” his beautiful blue eyes, his positive attitude and outlook on life, his one-of-a-kind sense of humor and the tunes he hummed. No matter what kind of day you were having, he would always find a way to make you smile.

He was preceded in death by his wife, their twin children Mary and Joseph, and his parents.

He is survived by children: Scott Smentek and wife Terrie, of Traer, IA, Susan Smentek and husband Keith Baumann, of Elmhurst, IL, Sharon Scherrer and husband Keith, of Traer, IA, Julie Calcagno and husband Jim, of Chicago, IL, and Jennifer Smentek, of Traer, IA; grandchildren: Laurel, Lena and Nolan Baumann, Emma and Adel Scherrer, Gianna and Gianluca Calcagno, and Lukasz and Lilka Jampoler; and siblings: Geraldine (the late Tim) Haddon, Gregory (Patricia) Smentek and Nancy (Charley) Quaiver and was Uncle Mike to ten nieces and nephews.

Please join us in celebrating his life on Friday, December 30th at Overton Funeral Home, 714 1st St., Traer IA. Visitation at noon, service at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please visit rushgiving.com/tribute to support Rush University Medical Center.

The burial will take place at Buckingham Cemetery following the service. Special thanks to Cedar Valley Hospice.