James S. Smoczyk
James S. Smoczyk, 79, of Rhinelander, died on May 6, 2012 in Rhinelander. He was born on July 13, 1932 in Stanley, to Stanley and Mary (Ciolkasz) Smoczyk.
Jim attended schools in Stanley, graduating from the Stanley HS in 1950. He then went on to serve his country with the U.S. Army, and upon his honorable discharge he returned home and married Joan Swatzina on Nov. 25, 1954. They lived in Stanley until Jim was transferred to Rhinelander in 1961. He was employed by Northern Auto Supply for many years and then in the mid 1970s they opened Jim and Joan’s Tavern in Pine Lake. They operated the tavern for 20 years. Jim also worked as a painter and earlier in life as a police officer. He loved all the outdoor activities of the Northwoods. He was the founder and first Fire Chief of the Pine Lake Fire Depart. He was a member of the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church and he was a former Boy Scout leader.
Jim is survived by his wife Joan; his three daughters, Janice (Dale) Wege, Jill (Dean) Funk and Julie (Thomas) Prahl, all of Rhinelander; his two sons, Joseph (Joann) of Hurley and Jeffrey (Teresa) of Rhinelander; 15 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; his sisters, Ruth Michalak of Eau Claire, Colleen Ruby of Denver, Colo. and Lorraine (Louie) Champa of Elk Grove Village, Ill.; and his brothers, Peter (Reggie) of Stanley, Michael (Carol) of Marshfield, and Robert (Roxie) of Splendora, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Joyce Dotter; and his brother, Harry.
Funeral Services for Jim will be held on Thursday, May 10, at 11 a.m., at the Carlson Funeral Home with Deacon Ronald Bosi officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until just prior to the services on Thursday, May 10, at the Carlson Funeral Home.
(Carlson Funeral Home)
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