Kurt N. Smolek, 50, of Westfield, WI, formerly Francesville and Medaryville, passed away peacefully following a brief illness on Friday, May 24, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI.
He was born on September 7, 1973 in Denver, CO to Theodore and Phyllis [Ewing] Smolek. Kurt 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. Kurt married the love of his life, Katie, on September 14, 2002.
He was a proud father to their three children and an even prouder papa to his grandson.
Kurt lived in Northwest Indiana until 2008, and in 2009, the family joined him in Wisconsin. He was an inventor, author, and business owner. Kurt 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.
Kurt enjoyed meeting and talking to everyone, especially in the shop he and Katie created two years ago - Sasquatch’s Variety Shop in Princeton, WI.
He is survived by:
Katie Smolek, Wife
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
A celebration of Kurt’s life will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM (CDT) at Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home in Westfield, WI.
A celebration of Kurt’s life will also be held on Monday, June 10, 2024 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM (EDT) at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o Katie Smolek.
Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.
