MOUNT PLEASANT – Mary Jean Smolka, 98, passed away at Ridgewood Care Center on December 23, 2017.

She was born in South Milwaukee on May 6, 1919, the daughter of the late John and Julia (nee: Kassa) Wesnick.  She was a lifelong resident of Racine.  On August 16, 1941, she married Stephen Smolka at Holy Trinity Church.  He preceded her in death on January 30, 2005.

In her earlier years Mrs. Smolka worked at Badger Paint and JC Penney; however, she was first and foremost a homemaker.  She was a member of Holy Trinity and St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Churches and the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association.

Mrs. Smolka is survived by her daughter, Carolyn (Eugene) Gedemer of Weyauwega, WI; her grandchildren, Mathew (Elizabeth Stone) Gedemer and Lee (Richard) Larson; her great grandchildren, Breanna and Jalen Gedemer and Ava and Will Seater; her brothers and sister, John Wesnik of Kenosha, Richard (Elaine) Wesnick of Billings, MT, Margaret (Robert) Ochs of Racine; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.  She was also preceded in death by her sister and brother, Hazel (Edward) Korec and Joseph Wesnick; her son-in-law, Daniel Iselin and sister-in-law, Sophie Wesnick.

Family and friends are invited to meet at St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church (1509 Grand Ave.) on Saturday, December 30, 2017 for a visitation from 10-11 a.m.  The celebration of her life and funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating.  A private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church.

Service Details

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2017

Visitation: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m.

St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church (1509 Grand Ave)

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