John L. Smizek Obituary
John L. "Jack" Smizek, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2023 at the Onalaska Care Center surrounded by his family.
Jack was born on November 3, 1944 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Louis and Johanna "Jennie" Smizek. On October 16, 1963. Jack was united in marriage to Donna Smith at St. Lukes Methodist Church in La Crosse.
Jack enjoyed bowling, playing cards with family and friends and solving crossword puzzles. He was a die hard fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. He thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity to go with family and friends to see them in person.
Jack joined the US Navy on November 3, 1961 and was honorably discharged on February 16, 1962 due to meningitis. Upon discharge he held various jobs. One of those jobs that he thoroughly enjoyed was being a blackjack dealer in Las Vegas, NV. He ultimately started at Trane Company where he worked for many years and retired in 2003.
During his later years Jack continued to enjoy much of his interests and spending time with family and friends. His greatest joy was spending time with his beloved dog Ginger. She was his pride and joy.
Jack is survived by his children; John W. (Lisa) Smizek, Lora (Jon) Papenfuss, Jeff Smizek, Linda (Robert) Belisle and his former daughter-in-law Teresa Meissner. He is also survived by eight grandchildren; John J. Smizek, James (Stephanie) Smizek, Preston Smizek, Siara Gaustad, Ashley Fosaaen, Nathan Fosaaen, Kendra Fosaaen, Logan Smizek, and "grandchildren" Brendan Meissner, Cassie Meissner; five great grandchildren; Maxwell Smizek, Colton Smizek, Xander Herweyer, Kaiden McIntyre, Ryker Pierce, a nephew David (Lynn) Smiezek and niece Linda (Tom) Vittum; brother-in-law, Roland Smith and sister-in-law, Beverly Berg. In addition he had many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Donna; his parents, his mother and father-in-law; his brother La Verne Smiezek and sister-in-law Wanda Smiezek.
Per Jack's request there will be no service. A celebration of life will be on November 4, 2023 at Robins Nest on French Island from 1-4:00 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later time.
The Family would like to thank the Onalaska Care Center for their exceptional care during the last months of our dad's life. A special thank you to Brandy and Carla of the care center, to whom our dad grew very fond of while being there. We appreciate all that you did for him. In addition we would also like to thank two other people that he also grew fond of and helped the family with care; Cheryl Mooney and Leanne Martinez.
