Welcome to the memorial page for
Joseph James Smolenski
November 21, 1989 ~ June 10, 2017 (age 27) 27 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
Message from Coach Mike Baker
November 21, 2020 9:37 AM
Just learned of Joe passing over and I wanted to tell you all what a true JOY this boy had for life and the game of baseball.
Joe touched my life with is quiet charm and quick wit.
Eager to learn and improve. Always so respectful and polite.
Heaven got a great young man and a great teammate.
You left a great mark Joe, Thank You for being such a positive light in this world.
Praying for you and your loved ones...i know how easy it was to love you.
Until we see eachother again! very proud of you Joe! Job well done.
Love you. Coach Baker.
Joe touched my life with is quiet charm and quick wit.
Eager to learn and improve. Always so respectful and polite.
Heaven got a great young man and a great teammate.
You left a great mark Joe, Thank You for being such a positive light in this world.
Praying for you and your loved ones...i know how easy it was to love you.
Until we see eachother again! very proud of you Joe! Job well done.
Love you. Coach Baker.
Message from TJ & Heather Harkey
June 16, 2017 8:55 AM
Jim, Marla, Ann & Lexie & family & friends. Please know you are all in our thoughts & prayers. May you find strength in the joyous memories & love he brought into your lives. Hugs & love to each of you. God bless TJ Heather Jaeger & Josey Harkey
Message from Andrea DeDecker
June 15, 2017 8:25 AM
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of Joe.
A DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was sent on June 15, 2017
Sending our deepest sympathy during this very difficult time. - The Brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho
Message from Bonnie Lapke Andersen
June 15, 2017 6:30 AM
My deepest sympathy and love goes out to Joe's family, wife, and friends. As a former Ag instructor at UWP I had the privelage of having Joe as a student in multiple classes. His pleasant personality, big smile, and sense of humor were appreciated along with his wisdom. I sometimes mixed Joe up with another student when I first got to know him and he was such a fun sport about my dumb confusion. May God's love and time help you adjust to this loss.
A candle was lit by Marylou Witherspoon
on June 15, 2017 5:00 AM
Message from Marylou Witherspoon
June 14, 2017 6:59 PM
Marla & family: I just saw/heard about Joe and I am so so sorry, there are no words....you are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻❤️ Marylou
A candle was lit by Dave Tollefson, Tollefson Farms, Belleville, WI
on June 14, 2017 6:33 PM
Its with heavy heart to hear of Joe's passing. These days its hard to come up with a person of Joe's age to have his integrity and maturity and professionalism and humor. I could always count on Joe to steer me in the right direction, off season and definitely in season of planting. and during planting! I would always tease him that he must be a pretty good salesman to get his dad to trade his John Deere for a Massey - and we would always laugh!! My very sincerest condolences to Lexi and Joe's parent's. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Its with heavy heart to hear of Joe's passing. These days its hard to come up with a person of Joe's age to have his integrity and maturity and professionalism and humor. I could always count on Joe to steer me in the right direction, off season and definitely in season of planting. and during planting! I would always tease him that he must be a pretty good salesman to get his dad to trade his John Deere for a Massey - and we would always laugh!! My very sincerest condolences to Lexi and Joe's parent's. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Message from Steve and Theresa Owens
June 14, 2017 6:02 PM
Dear Lexi and all those who loved Joe. We are so sorry. Our Sympathy is sent to all Joe's families. You don't know how sad we were ..here at our farm near Woodhull, Illinois.. Steve and his Brother Tom farm together at the Owens Brothers Farms. Joe had came out to the farm from AC McCarthy to help with all the support he could advising on the new technical knowledge. He was always so kind and helpful. He will be missed. Our hearts are with you. Theresa and Steve Owens
A candle was lit by Steve and Theresa Owens
on June 14, 2017 5:56 PM
A candle was lit by Carol Chandler and Family
on June 14, 2017 4:44 PM
A candle was lit by Kathy. Gods peace and strength to all of yiu
on June 14, 2017 2:58 PM
Message from Jim Cooper & Family
June 14, 2017 2:52 PM
Jim-Marla-Ann- Jim & Bonnie:
Our hearts are broken with this loss , forever we will remember this great young man.
All our love & prayers.
Jim,Pat,Jennifer,Christine, & Shannon
Our hearts are broken with this loss , forever we will remember this great young man.
All our love & prayers.
Jim,Pat,Jennifer,Christine, & Shannon
Message from Gale Vyncke
June 14, 2017 2:40 PM
Smolenski family, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families at this very sad time in your life's.
A candle was lit by Rob & Kari Rogers
on June 14, 2017 12:46 PM
Message from Mark and Travis Anderson
June 14, 2017 11:48 AM
Our sympathy goes out to the Smolenski family, so sorry for your loss
A candle was lit by Uncle Mike& aunt Debra Mills and family
on June 14, 2017 10:57 AM
A candle was lit by CAROL CHANDLER AND FAMILY
on June 14, 2017 10:37 AM
A candle was lit by With our deepest sympathy, Dawn & Mitch Swanson
on June 14, 2017 9:31 AM
Message from Zac and Dawn Fowler
June 14, 2017 9:18 AM
We are so sorry for your families loss. We didn't know Joe very well but we know the strength and love your family has and with that each day you will battle through and treasure the love you had for him and each other. Our thoughts have been with you since we heard and although we are in New York we are thinking of your family. Much love. Zac & Dawn
Message from Kaitlyn Learish
June 14, 2017 7:14 AM
It's been such a long time since I've seen cousin Joe, but I remember what a funny and kind guy he was! Praying for strength and peace for you, Jim, Marla, Ann, Lexie and family. Love you all.
Message from Mary Mount and family, Dan , Tammy and Daniel.
June 14, 2017 6:50 AM
Dear Ann, We would like you to know that we are praying for you and your family. We offer you a Prayer Bouquet of 1 Family Healing Prayer, 2 Chaplet of Divine Mercy and a Rosary for Joseph. I hope that the love of so many people surrounding you bring you comfort during this difficult time of loss. May the Mercy of God give you strength and joy.
A candle was lit by Mary Mount and family
on June 14, 2017 6:21 AM
Message from Becky and Charlie Earl
June 13, 2017 9:57 PM
Our hearts are so heavy hearing of Joe's passing. He was such a great kid. My deepest sympathies to his wife, his mom & dad, grandparents & Ann. I cannot imagine your pain.
Message from Jim and Glenda Vyncke
June 13, 2017 9:47 PM
Our sympathy to the family of Joe, Jim and Bonnie and Jim Jr. Your loss is great and so sad. Hugs to you. 🙏❤️
Message from Mary Nicklay
June 13, 2017 9:03 PM
I never had the opportunity to meet Joe formally, but I was there that day, and he was surrounded by mostly strangers who loved and cared for him so deeply we tried everything we could. My condolences to his family and wife, you will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.
A candle was lit by Bill and Debbie Boswell
on June 13, 2017 8:48 PM
Message from You dont know me but I am very sorry for your loss. It is senseless that he was taking away at an early age
June 13, 2017 8:17 PM
Sorry very much for your loss
A candle was lit by Carla Carns
on June 13, 2017 8:13 PM
A candle was lit by Tab & Dennis Diehl
on June 13, 2017 8:10 PM
Message from Michele Stoneking
June 13, 2017 6:33 PM
Jim and Marla, my most sincere condolences. I always enjoyed the stories Jim would tell me about his baseball. May God bless you and keep you and your family close.
Message from Lori Allison
June 13, 2017 6:32 PM
Marla and your entire family my heart goes out to you all. Please know you have many friends that will support you in any way during this very sad time.
A candle was lit by Lori Allison
on June 13, 2017 6:25 PM
A candle was lit by Dan and Karen Sargent and family
on June 13, 2017 4:30 PM
Message from Rebecca Covemaker
June 13, 2017 3:01 PM
Marla - Please know that I am thinking of you and the rest of your family at this terribly sad time.
Message from Lisa Blackwell
June 13, 2017 2:17 PM
My deepest sympathy to your family during this difficult time. I worked with Joe for a short period of time at Trackside Services and he was one of the most kind and polite young men I have ever met. He was definitely one of a kind. I can't imagine the loss you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Message from Clint Ziemer
June 13, 2017 2:14 PM
To Jim & Family, So sorry for your loss. Prayers for strength for you all through this time.
-- Clint Ziemer, OHS Class of '82
-- Clint Ziemer, OHS Class of '82
A candle was lit by Karen (Miller) Plambeck and all my family
on June 13, 2017 1:57 PM
A candle was lit by Cindy and Pat Burke
on June 13, 2017 1:47 PM
Message from Ayla Larkins
June 13, 2017 1:44 PM
Ann & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have my prayers of sympathy and comfort.
I am so sorry for your loss. You have my prayers of sympathy and comfort.
A candle was lit by Ayla Larkins
on June 13, 2017 1:38 PM
A candle was lit by Brett & Linley Stees
on June 13, 2017 12:50 PM
A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was sent by Todd and Tracey Hamilton on June 13, 2017
A candle was lit by Deb, Larry, and Bryson Rigg
on June 13, 2017 10:17 AM
A candle was lit by Greg & Heather Mills
on June 13, 2017 9:27 AM
Message from Kelly LeFebvre
June 13, 2017 9:20 AM
Oh, Marla, my heart is breaking for you and your family. Please accept my deepest sympathy, and know I will be praying for all who loved him.
Message from Richelle Kuboushek
June 13, 2017 9:05 AM
I am so saddened to hear of Joe's passing and so sorry for your family's loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Message from Ed Grommes
June 13, 2017 8:33 AM
Joe, your time was cut short, but it was a pleasure to have known you and work with you.
A candle was lit by Ed Grommes
on June 13, 2017 8:31 AM
Message from Katie McLuckie
June 13, 2017 7:28 AM
I knew Joe in college and he is a guy you never forget. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. Also praying for strength and healing during this difficult time.
A candle was lit by Kevin and Aaliyah Bolden
on June 13, 2017 7:11 AM
Message from Mindock Family
June 13, 2017 6:55 AM
Joe was an amazing young man and he will always be remembered that way by our family and many others. Jim, Marla and Ann you are in our prayers during this tough time and the good times will always be remembered.
A candle was lit by Mindock Family
on June 13, 2017 6:52 AM
A candle was lit by Keith & Kathy Myers & Family
on June 13, 2017 6:49 AM
Jim and Marla,
You have our deepest sympathies and have been our prayers. While we are unable to attend, please know we will be with you in our spirit. We love you.
Keith & Katy
Jim and Marla,
You have our deepest sympathies and have been our prayers. While we are unable to attend, please know we will be with you in our spirit. We love you.
Keith & Katy
Message from Brian, Carrie, Emma & Isaac Melton
June 13, 2017 5:46 AM
Our sincere sympathies to you all. Many hugs and warm thoughts from the Meltons.
A candle was lit by Shandell loenser
on June 13, 2017 3:01 AM
A candle was lit by The loenser family
on June 13, 2017 3:00 AM
Message from Bonnie Boostrom's
June 12, 2017 10:37 PM
So very ,very sorry for your loss. My sympathies to all the family.
Message from Joel and Kelly
June 12, 2017 10:28 PM
The only way any of us, especially your wife and family are going to get through this is to stick together, love one another and live our lives to the utmost to honor your kind heart, warm smile and loving character that was you..... Until we meet again, love ya man.
A candle was lit by Joel and Kelly
on June 12, 2017 10:21 PM
A candle was lit by The Frutiger Family
on June 12, 2017 9:55 PM
Message from Denise DeDecker
June 12, 2017 9:51 PM
Jim & Marla, I am so sorry to read of your son's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Denise DeDecker
A candle was lit by Chuck and Connie Nelson
on June 12, 2017 9:27 PM
Message from Chuck and Connie Nelson
June 12, 2017 9:26 PM
Dearest Lexie, (and family)
Our hearts are broken for you with the loss of Joe. God must have a special plan for him that is way beyond our understanding. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. We are here for you. If you need ANYTHING, all you need to do is ask. You will always be our "sweetest little girl in Milton",
XOXOXO
LOVE YOU!
Chuck and Connie Nelson
Our hearts are broken for you with the loss of Joe. God must have a special plan for him that is way beyond our understanding. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. We are here for you. If you need ANYTHING, all you need to do is ask. You will always be our "sweetest little girl in Milton",
XOXOXO
LOVE YOU!
Chuck and Connie Nelson
Message from Sandy & Paul Schaller
June 12, 2017 9:12 PM
Our most sincere sympathy to you, Lexi and both of your families. We are so very sorry for your loss. May your special memories help to bring you comfort.
Message from The Jungwirth Family
June 12, 2017 8:55 PM
Our deepest condolences to his wife, parents, sister and rest of the family. We never met Joe, but ever person who has talked about him in the last couple of days have all said he was just the nicest guy. I'm sure you have many wonderful memories of him that you will treasure for the years to come.
Jeremy, Becky, Morgan and Ryan Jungwirth
Jeremy, Becky, Morgan and Ryan Jungwirth
Message from Dean, Ann & Mike Sellers
June 12, 2017 8:37 PM
Jim, Marla, Ann, Lexie & family,
Our deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your beloved Joe.. Words can not express how much we hurt with you. Please know that you are in our daily prayers and we are thinking of you.
Our deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your beloved Joe.. Words can not express how much we hurt with you. Please know that you are in our daily prayers and we are thinking of you.
A candle was lit by Chris Carlson and family
on June 12, 2017 8:25 PM
A candle was lit by Rutledge family
on June 12, 2017 8:22 PM
Message from Alison Rasko
June 12, 2017 8:12 PM
Jim, Marla & Ann, my heart breaks for you and the entire family. I pray that you find comfort during this difficult time.
A candle was lit by Dan and Chris Koester
on June 12, 2017 8:02 PM
A candle was lit by Mike & Mart Puckett
on June 12, 2017 8:00 PM
Message from Kent and Lori Russell
June 12, 2017 7:55 PM
My heart cannot believe what the world has lost. Our family is richer for having Joe in our lives. I will forever remember this dear friend of ours. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Message from Lori Nelson
June 12, 2017 7:44 PM
My heart breaks for Joe's family. You are all in my thoughts and heart and sending you strength at this very sad time.
A candle was lit by Brian and Lori Nelson and Samuel
on June 12, 2017 7:42 PM
A candle was lit by Debra & Kurt Jensen
on June 12, 2017 7:40 PM
Message from Chelsey Humphrey (Hintze)
June 12, 2017 7:36 PM
I have many fond memories of Joe from during our time at UWP, even though we didn't remain in contact after college some of my favorite fun stories include him. He always had a bright smile and big laugh. My heart hurts for all of his loved ones and friends, cannot imagine the loss y'all feel right now. My sincerest condolences.
Message from Marilu Wink
June 12, 2017 7:21 PM
My heart breaks for the entire family of this young man. You can just see the love coming through his eyes. Our prayers go out to his beloved wife and his parents, sister, and grandparents. There is nothing worse than losing a child way too soon. Please know that our hearts are with you all.
Message from Doug and Nancy McDonough
June 12, 2017 6:50 PM
Our deepest sympathies to the Smolenski family. Doug remembers Joe as a very pleasant young man. May God wrap His loving arms around all of you and give you comfort and peace.
A candle was lit by Bill and Kim Gordon and family
on June 12, 2017 6:27 PM
Message from Judy & Chuck Stimpfl
June 12, 2017 6:22 PM
Dear Lexi and the rest of the family. kWe are so sorry for your loss. Sorry and I are were just talking about Lexi and her husband and how great things were going for you. I know how hard this can be for all of you. We lost our beautiful daughter suddenly ll years ago. My heart and prayers go out to all. Lexi sending you a big hug!
Message from Steph (Ruppert) Mickley and family
June 12, 2017 6:22 PM
Jim, Marla, & Ann-
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your son- please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers always-
Stephanie (Ruppert) Mickley and family
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your son- please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers always-
Stephanie (Ruppert) Mickley and family
An A GARDEN PATH was sent on June 12, 2017
With deepest sympathy for Joe's loving family, his wife, Lexie, sister, Ann, and his wonderful parents, Jim and Marla., Joe always demonstrated great respect and care to us as close friends of his adoring grandpa and grandma, Jim and Bonnie. God Bless you Joseph - Lawrence & Cynthia Lane and Family
Message from Mary Beth Yeager Carr
June 12, 2017 5:45 PM
My heartfelt condolences to this Family, I am a Friend of Learish Family & have met some of you @ Ron & Lisa's. God Bless You All & comfort you.
A candle was lit by Joyce Remy
on June 12, 2017 5:42 PM
Message from Joyce Remy and John
June 12, 2017 5:41 PM
Joe will always be in our hearts and prayers.
A candle was lit by Mary Beth Yeager Carr
on June 12, 2017 5:28 PM
Message from Bob Nolen
June 12, 2017 5:26 PM
I was not around Joe more than 3 times. The last time I seen him was at Zac Rollins Graduation party at the Milan Community Center. I was very impressed by how he had grown into a fine man. My deepest sympathy’s go to the family.
A candle was lit by Bob Nolen
on June 12, 2017 5:23 PM
A candle was lit by Melissa Frantz-Barajas
on June 12, 2017 5:11 PM
A candle was lit by John Remy
on June 12, 2017 5:09 PM
A candle was lit by John Remy
on June 12, 2017 5:07 PM
Message from john remy.
June 12, 2017 5:07 PM
My heart breaks with the loss of joe, He will be forever missed.
A candle was lit by The Rossman Family
on June 12, 2017 4:46 PM
Message from Rebecca Yarbrough-Rossman
June 12, 2017 4:46 PM
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. I have many memories with Joe. He always had a smile and gave you a reason to laugh! Love you all!
A candle was lit by Calli Barrett and Kyle Dunsworth
on June 12, 2017 4:30 PM
