Wilfred J. Smieja

Wilfred J. "Willie" Smieja, 83, of Independence, died Friday, May 25, 2012, at Tri-County Memorial Hospital, Whitehall. He was born September 2, 1928 in Independence to Roman and Christine (Reck) Smieja. He married Evelyn Kotlarz on November 19, 1952 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Independence. Willie served in the U. S. Army in Germany during the Korean War. He served the community of Independence as school board president, city mayor and fire chief. He was the owner of Smieja's Market with his brother, Rudy, for many years. He was an avid Packer, Cardinal and Badger fan. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn of Independence; daughter, Debbie (Jim) Roden of Eau Claire; grandson, Michael Roden of Eau Claire; nieces, nephews and his beloved dog, Rocket. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at the SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Independence, with Very Rev. Woodrow H. Pace officiating. Burial, with military rites, will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Monday, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., at Edison Funeral Home, Independence, and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wilfred J. Smieja, please visit our flower store.