Gary Smutny 1940-2023
Gary Rudolph Smutny, 82, of Topeka, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.
He was born on July 4, 1940, to the unity of Rudolph and Bernice (Bergmann) Smutny.
Gary graduated from Seaman High School and attended Washburn University. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves for eight years.
Gary was a member of American Legion Post 400. He worked for Sears Roebuck as District Manager overseeing several stores and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, where he retired.
Gary loved spending time with his family and enjoyed his hobbies, especially his collection of model railroad trains, building projects and traveling to all 50 states, Mexico and Canada.
Gary was a member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church in Topeka.
Gary married the love of his life, Rita (Hochard) Smutny, on June 18, 1960, at St. Patrick Catholic Church at Coal Creek in Nemaha County. They were married for more than 62 years and enjoyed a long, fulfilling life together. She survives.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Bernice Smutny; and a sister, Janice Smutny.
He is survived by his wife, Rita, of the home; five daughters Annette (Doug) Roach, Wichita, Tammy (Mark) Conley, Topeka, Michelle (David) Martin, Leawood, Brenda (Jeremy) Kebert, Topeka, and Jennifer (Scott) Bauer, Evans, Ga.; one son, John Smutny, Wichita; a brother, Larry Smutny, Topeka; two sisters, Jeanne (Mike) Chavez, Topeka, and Joanne (Darrell) Abernathy, St. Louis, Mo.; 23 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, celebrated by Father Tim Haberkorn. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Hoyt. Gary will lie in state after 9 a.m. on Wednesday at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt, where friends and family are invited to celebrate his life with the rosary being prayed at 6 p.m., followed by visitation until 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church and sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 280, Hoyt, KS 66440. Online condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
