Obituaries

September 7, 1973 to May 24, 2024

MEDARYVILLE - Kurt N. Smolek, 50, of Westfield, WI (formerly of Francesville and Medaryville) passed away peacefully Friday, May 24, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI, following a brief illness.

He was born Sept. 7, 1973 in Denver, CO to Theodore and Phyllis [Ewing] Smolek. He was a 1992 graduate of West Central High School in Francesville and a 1995 graduate of Purdue University. He continued his education at Madison Area Technical College and University of Wisconsin.  He married Katie, on Sept. 14, 2002. She survives.

Kurt Smolek

He is also survived by:
Trevor (Emily) Hammond, Son
Hannah Smolek, Daughter
Bret Smolek, Son
Jack Hammond, Grandson
Arden and Phyllis [Ewing] Bathke, Parents
Many beloved relatives and friends

He was preceded in death by:
Theodore Smolek, Father
Lisa Bathke, Infant Sister
Robert and Alma Ewing, Grandparents
James and Opal Smolek, Grandparents
Otto and Hilda Bathke, Grandparents
Many beloved relatives and friends

Mr. Smolek lived in northwest Indiana until 2008, and in 2009, the family joined him in Wisconsin.  He was an inventor, author and business owner. He was a proud father to his three children and an even prouder papa to his grandson. He loved fishing and couldn’t wait for the yearly family fishing vacation. He also loved football, sports cards, and just being by the water somewhere. He enjoyed meeting and talking to everyone, especially in the shop he and Katie created two years ago - Sasquatch’s Variety Shop in Princeton, WI.

A celebration of Kurt’s life will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. (CT), Sunday, June 2, at Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home in Westfield, WI.

A celebration of Kurt’s life will also be held from 2 to 6 p.m. (ET), Monday, June 10, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Katie Smolek.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.