PAUL DAVID SMOLINSKI

Paul David Smolinski, 81, passed away at Medilodge in Rogers City on Feb. 11, 2025, following a brief illness.

The youngest of the family of 11, he was born on Feb. 3, 1944, to Simon and Agnes (Wcisel) Smolinski.

He graduated from Rogers City High School in 1962 and has recently served on the class reunion committee. In 1962, he joined the United States Navy, serving for four years aboard the naval ship the USS Independence. Paul worked at Calcite for 36.5 years as a welder. He was known by his fellow workers as “pretty bead” because he was a perfectionist, always doing his best work to get the job done right the first time. On July 10, 1982, he married Janis (Matuszewski-Skiera) at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. They have been married for 42 years.

He is survived by his wife, Jan; two sons, Denny Smolinski, and Charley (Kristina) Smolinski; two granddaughters, Aubrey and Kinsley Smolinski; and soon-to-be baby boy Smolinski; three brothers, Marvin (Patricia) Smolinski, Myron (Nancy) Smolinski and Delmar (Ruth) Smolinski; and sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Human and Betty Smolinski; and many nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Raymond, Larry and Sylvester (Joe); sisters, Margaret Florip, Louise Streich, Edna Quaine and a baby sister, Ann.

Friends may visit at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. through time of his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. with Fr. Don Geyman officiating. Rogers City VFW Post 607 will offer a military tribute at church immediately following Mass.

Memorials may be made to St. Ignatius Catholic School Angel Fund or McLaren Hospice.

Arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org