Ishpeming - Ronald J. "Smitty" Smetana, age 77, of Wabash St., Ishpeming, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility where he had been a resident for the past 6 days.

Ron was born in Chicago, IL on August 28, 1942, son of the late Libuse (Moravec) and George Smetana. He grew up in Brookfield, IL, and was a graduate of the Riverside-Brookfield High School, Class of 1960. He entered the United States Air Force in February of 1962 and was subsequently stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base. While stationed there, he met and married Sandra Greenwood, who became his life companion for the next 54 years. Ron was honorably discharged from the service in February of 1966 at which time he and Sandee relocated to Illinois where they resided for several years.

They returned to Ishpeming in 1974, when Ron was hired as a Plant Repairman for Cleveland Cliffs newly opened Tilden Mine. In 1980, Ron and Sandee were blessed to welcome daughter, Amanda, the joy of her dad's life. Ron retired in 2004, after 30 years with CCI. He then became a tireless worker for the Ishpeming Elks Lodge #447, serving on the house committee, acting as the "Pasty Guru" and helping with various projects. For his efforts, "Smitty" was honored as "Elk of the Year" 3 times. Ron was also a longtime member of the Wawonowin Country Club. Many an enjoyable summer Wednesday was spent on the course (or maybe "curse"?) with his favorite golf buddies.

Survivors include his wife Sandra Smetana of Ishpeming; daughter, Amanda (Jason) Pilarski of Tucson, AZ; sister-in-law Kathy Thibeault, and brother-in-law Bruce (Norma) Greenwood both of Ishpeming, sister-in-law Mary Smetana of Dunedin, FL; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother George Smetana, in-laws Verden "Red" and Myrtle Greenwood, and brother-in-law Ronald Thibeault.

Cremation has taken place and interment will be at the Ishpeming Cemetery Columbarium. Due to the current COVID-19 environment, a memorial celebration of Ron's life will take place later at the Ishpeming Elks Lodge.

Thank you to Bell Hospital, MCMCF, and U.P. Home Health and Hospice for the compassionate and skilled care Ron received. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to – Ishpeming Elks Lodge, 597 Lakeshore Dr, Ishpeming, MI 49849, Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808, baycliff.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org

Ron's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.