David Smrekar

David A. “Dave” Smrekar

Age 77 of Crest Hill, IL, passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Lightways Hospice Home, with his loving family by his side.

Born June 20, 1944 in Joliet, Dave was the son of Anton and Frances (Née Papesh) Smrekar. He graduated from Lockport Township High School in 1962 then resided in Crest Hill from 1975 to the present.

He retired from Commonwealth Edison (Dresden) as a Maintenance Mechanic. Dave was also the owner of Smrekar Landscaping. He was a member of St. Anne / St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Crest Hill.

In his free time, Dave enjoyed spending time with family and friends and going to classic car shows. Dave loved his family and had a big heart. He selflessly cared for many people who experienced many challenges through their lifetime.

Survivors include his loving wife of 49 years; Judith A. “Judy” Smrekar, children; Michele (Scot) Keith, Julie Raines and David (Jody) Smrekar Jr., grandchildren; Emily and Megan Keith and Haydin Smrekar, siblings; Anthony (Janice) Smrekar, Robert (Judith) Smrekar, Geraldine (Robert) Grivetti, Marianne (James) Kobe Sr., Frances (Richard) Mutz, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; Anton and Frances Smrekar and his father and mother-in-law; Robert and Dorothy LeRoy.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 19, 2021 between the hours of 3:00p.m. and 7:00p.m. at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435. Funeral services will follow on Monday, December 20, 2021 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 10:20 a.m., then processing to St. Ambrose Catholic Church, for a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Anthony Nyamai officiating.

Cremation rites will be accorded following funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Dave’s memory to:

Morning Star Mission Ministries: https://morningstarmission.org/ or Lightways Hospice: https://lightways.org.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.plesefuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL   815-735-2125.