Michael J Smetanka Jr.

Mike Smetanka, 91, of New Braunfels, Texas passed away on December 21, 2023. He was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania on June 21, 1932 to Michael and Veronica Smetanka. Mike graduated from Saint Vincent's College with a BS in Chemistry. He subsequently received a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He married the love of his life, Virginia Ann Popson, on June 1, 1957. Mike enjoyed a career in chemical engineering. He worked for Wright Chemical in St. Louis, Missouri for 25 years and retired after working for Betz Entec in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After retirement Mike made New Braunfels, Texas his home for the past 27 years.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife Ginny, and his brothers Thomas and Richard. Mike is survived by his daughter and son in-law, Michelle and Kent Harris of Shady Shores, Texas; grandsons Zachary Hunt Harris and wife Haley Walton Harris of Dallas, Texas, Alexander Michael Harris, wife Rachel Hopkins Harris and unborn son of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; brother John Smetanka and wife Sandy Smetanka of Latrobe, Pennsylvania; sister in-law Joyce Smetanka of Latrobe, Pennsylvania; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mike was a lifetime member and past leader of Toastmasters, where he was recognized with many coveted awards. Mike was a leader in the Master Brewers Association, an avid golfer, proudly scoring two holes-in-one and an enthusiastic bowler, with a perfect game to his name. He and Ginny learned to love camping and canoeing down the many rivers in Missouri, traveling around the country and spending vacations at their timeshare in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Mike was active in numerous organizations until the time of his passing. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Club. He was also a proud member of the Lions Club, where he was an active member of Noon Lions in New Braunfels where he worked each summer rebuilding the camp for kids and throughout the year, conducting eye testing at elementary schools. He was an honorary life Member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight in Pennsylvania, then continuing to serve in the New Braunfels Council with Bingo, Fish Fries, parking cars during Wurstfest and entertained as the ‘strolling minstrel’ at this year’s Christmas party.

Mike was best known for his musical talents as “Squeeze Box Mike”. He learned the accordion at the age of 16, started a band, “The Musical Notes”, and played polka music at bars, weddings and bar mitzvahs. He continued playing throughout his life, putting smiles on faces with his upbeat polka music. This last year he played during Wurstfest, serenaded his grandsons and their wives at their weddings and continued to give lessons to numerous students. Mike had a servant’s heart. He volunteered numerous times each month at the New Braunfels Visitor Center, worked weekly at Saint Peter and Paul’s Thrift Store, repairing small appliances and rang the bell at the Salvation Army kettle each Christmas. He enjoyed his last year living at Rio Terra Independent Living Center, where he played bridge, Scattergories, dominoes and poker. He was a welcome ambassador to new tenants, attended weekly exercise classes and participated in the Sunday Catholic Communion Service, reading and sharing the gospel.

He was deeply committed to his Catholic faith. He served in the church as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and money counter. He also sang in the Latin Choir and participated in the evening rosaries.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate Mike's life will be held in the Chapel at St. Ann Catholic Church, 180 Samuel Blvd, Coppell, Texas on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. The mass will be live streamed at https://vimeo.com/event/3768339/db05db0cbf . If you wish to honor Mike, please consider a gift to your favorite charity in his name.

Mike touched many lives and enjoyed so many friendships during his lifetime. He has left a void in our lives and a hole in our hearts but his memories will live on forever. Mike Smetanka, you will be greatly missed. We love you so much.