Joseph J. Smokevitch

Joseph J. Smokevitch, 98, of Crystal Falls, passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Aspirus Iron River Hospital. Joseph was born on January 14, 1918 in Crystal Falls, the son of the late Albert and Sophia (Bucek) Smokevitch. Joseph has been a lifelong resident of Crystal Falls. He joined the United States Army in 1943 and served as a Corporal during WWII in the 52nd Armored Infantry Battalion. After being wounded during the Battle of the Bulge he was held prisoner of war until his release on April 17, 1945. Joseph married Evelyn Schindler on February 22, 1944. They raised five children in Crystal Falls before Evelyn passed on March 30, 2000. Joseph worked at the Tobin Mine until its closing and then for the City of Crystal Falls until his retirement. He was a lifelong member of Guardian Angels Church and a life member of the Tufts-Rondon VFW Post 2891. Joseph was an outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish and trap. He was also a talented flower and vegetable gardener. In addition to his parents and wife, Evelyn, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Lahna; son in law, Thomas Rauch; brothers, John, Andrew and Walter and sisters, Ann Lee and Mary Cesa. Joseph is survived by his children, Albert (Marilyn) Smokevitch of Crystal Falls, Carol Rauch of Dousman, WI, Jeanne (Raymond) Brown of Crystal Falls and Michael (Jeannine) Smokevitch of Crystal Falls; nine grandchildren, James Lahna, Scott (Colleen) Lahna, Paul (Crystal) Rauch, Joseph (Jackie) Smokevitch, Trista (Ralph) Pflanz, Michael (Amy) Brown, Michelle (Keith) Graves, Theresa (Daryl) Kraus and Joshua (Cindy) Brown; seven great grand children, Ashley Pflanz, Sorcha and Maija Lahna, Kaden Graves, Allison and Joseph Smokevitch, and baby kraus coming soon. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Nov. 2nd from 4:30pm to 7:00pm at the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls. Funeral services will on Thursday, Nov. 3rd at 11:00am from Guardian Angels church in Crystal Falls. Fr. Jose Maramattam will offer the Mass of Christian burial. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls. Pallbearers will be, James and Scott Lahna, Joseph and Joey Smokevitch, Michael and Joshua Brown, Keith and Kaden Graves and Dan Miller. Condolences to the family of Joseph Smokevitch may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net

Joseph J. Smokevitch

January 14, 1918 - October 29, 2016