Irene Helen Smiertka

Irene Helen Smiertka peacefully passed away Thursday November 9th, at the age of 95. She was born in Kalamazoo on August 21, 1922 to Mary and John Dzialowski. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and retired from Gibson Guitar. She was preceded in death by her parents, by her husband of 62 years Staley Smiertka and her siblings Stella Dzialoski, Henry Dzialowski and Jenny Jancasz. Irene was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and for several years a member of Borgess Volunteers Association. She was a renowned as a seamtress, cook, and a baker and was  very generous with her talents. Irene was a dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her children Carol (David Rowgo), Patricia (Douglas Hutchinson) Smiertka, John ( Janice Smiertka) and grandchildren Jim, Julie, Russ, and Mara. Friends and relatives will be received on Tuesday, November 14 from 4-7 pm at Parchment Redmond Funeral Home, 2300 East G Ave where a visitation followed by a scripture service will be held. Burial will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery on Wednesday, November 15 at 10:30 am. Memorials will be made to Southern Care Hospice in lieu of flowers.