1934-2020
Joan Barbara Smoczyk, age 85, of Rhinelander, died on December 21, 2019 at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital after suffering a severe stroke. Prior to that she was living on her own at the RhineHaus.
Joan was born on April 6, 1934 in Edison, WI to Joseph and Katherine (Konsella) Swatzina. She is survived by her daughters Janice Wege, Jill(Dean) Funk, Julie(Thomas) Prahl all of Rhinelander, sons Joseph(Joann) Smoczyk of Hurley, Jeffrey(Heather) Smoczyk of Rhinelander, 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, sister Patricia( Bob) Valk of Stanley, Brother-in-law Michael(Carol) Smoczyk and sister-in-law Lorraine(Louie) Champa, nieces, nephews, other family and many friends, including her long time friend Anne Hanke of Eagle River.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband James, parents, daughter Joyce(Craig) Dotter, grandchildren Brandon Wege, Andrew( Ellen Teeters) Wege and Timothy Dotter, and son-in-law Dale(Janice) Wege.
Joan(Swatzina) Smoczyk married James on November 25, 1954. They lived in Stanley until 1961 when Jim was transferred in his job with Northern Auto. She worked as a Nurse at the hospital before buying Jim & Joan’s Bar in Pine Lake in the mid-70’s, which they ran for 21 years. She was involved in the Tavern league and enjoyed bowling for many years, with other hobbies of camping, playing mahjong at the Senior Center, bingo and cards at the RhineHaus and enjoyed a little gambling at the casino. Joan was also a member of Nativity of Lord Parish.
A celebration of life for Joan will be held on Saturday, March 14 from 1:004:00 p.m. at the Flyin Finn Pub & Resort, which was her favorite place to go for a Friday fish fry.
In lieu of flowers, condolences may be directed to the Joan Smoczyk Family and sent to Carlson Funeral Home, or to P.O. Box 368, Rhinelander, WI 54501.
You may leave your private condolences for the Smoczyk family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home(715369-1414) is handling the arrangements for the Smoczyk family.
