Sophie Dado Zrenchik

Frances Smitka, Joe Smitka, Sophie Zrnchik, Irene Smitka, Andrew Smitka

• 1910 Census possible info
• 1920 Census as Zencik
• 1930 Census as Zrenchik
• 1940 Census
• Spouse: Smitka Possibly John Smitka
• Son: Joseph Smitka Born June 10 1906, Joliet, Il Died November 1954
  • 1930 Census
  • 1940 Census
  • Spouse: Mary Kenda 1910-January 1987 Married 21 Oct 1929
  • Son: Bernard Smitka 1938-1996
    
    

    Bernard F. Smitka, 58, of Whiting, IN. passed away Thursday, March 7, 1996 at St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center, Hammond, IN. Beloved son of the late Joseph and Mary (Kenda) Smitka. Survived by two sisters, Florence (Joseph) Maginot of St. John and Joanne (George) Pieters of Whiting; two brothers, James (Lorraine) Smitka of St. John and William (Patricia) Smitka of Hammond; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

    Funeral services will be held Monday, March 11, 1996, 9:30 a.m. at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting, IN., 10 a.m. Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, Whiting, with the Rev. Anthony D. Ficko officiating. Interment, Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, Indiana. Visitation at the funeral home Sunday from 3 to 8 p.m. Rosary will be recited at the funeral home Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m.

    Bernie was a lifelong resident of Whiting; member of the Immaculate Conception Church, Whiting, where he served as a Lector and usher and was a member of the Holy Name Society; member of the First Catholic Slovak Men's Union #762. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Indiana State University; member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity; retiree of the School City of Hammond where he was principal of Irving School for 27 years; member of the Lake County Principals Association; the Lake County and Indiana State Retired Teachers Association and a former member and branch president of A.C.E.I.

    'The heart of our school.' Hammond Times March 09, 1996

    WHITING - On one day, Bernard Smitka could be seen mending a student's eyeglasses or unsticking a zipper on a kindergartner's coat. On another, he'd find a jacket for a student who needed one or insert cardboard in a child's shoe to cover a hole. "He was the heart of our school," said Lorraine Kobe, a teacher at Irving Elementary School in Hammond, where Mr. Smitka served as principal for 27 years until his retirement in 1993.

    Mr. Smitka, a lifelong Whiting resident, died Thursday after battling cancer. "He took care of the material and emotional needs of the whole community. He was our brother, father and best friend," Kobe said.

    Three generations of students have visited the school over the years hoping to see him, she said, many unaware he had retired. "Bernie made it a pleasure to come to school for the staff and the students," Kobe said. His acts of kindness to everyone were legendary at Irving School.

    Every Christmas before he retired, Mr. Smitka delivered a single red rose and a poem to every staff member, from secretaries and teachers to cafeteria workers and cleaning staff. The rose became a symbol of the staff's love for their principal, Kobe said.

    At Mr. Smitka's funeral services Monday, the school's teachers plan to each put a rose on his casket. "We have to give him that last rose," Kobe said with a catch in her voice.

    In addition to being a well-loved principal, Mr. Smitka was "a very good brother," said one of his sisters, Joann Pieters of Whiting. Although he never married nor had children of his own, "Bernie was like a second father to my children," Pieters said.

    "He never had a mean word to say about anyone," Pieters recalled. "He used to say 'If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.'"

    Mr. Smitka's career as an elementary teacher at Hammond's Jefferson School and as Irving's principal was a natural, according to Pieters.

    "He was always teaching kids, even when he was a child," she said. "We had this little room in the basement when we were growing up, and we were always playing school."

    Described by his sister as a "good and loving person," Mr. Smitka also was very strong, she said Friday.

    Mr. Smitka was a member of Immaculate Conception Church of Whiting, where he served as a lector and usher. He also was a member of the Holy Name Society and the First Catholic Slovak Men's Union 762.

    He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Indiana State University and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon social fraternity. Mr. Smitka's professional memberships included the Lake County Principals' Association and the Lake County and Indiana State Retired Teachers' associations.

    In addition to Joann (George) Pieters, Mr. Smitka is survived by another sister, Florence (Joseph) Maginot of St. John; two brothers, James (Lorraine) Smitka of St. John and William (Patricia) Smitka of Hammond; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

    Funeral services for Mr. Smitka begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St. in Whiting. A 10 a.m. Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Whiting will be said by the Rev. Anthony D. Ficko. Burial will be at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville.

    Friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday. The Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

  • Florence Smitka 1933-
    • Spouse: Joseph J. Maginot 1929-17 June 2006

      JOSEPH J. MAGINOT, age 77, of St. John, IN passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2006 at Regency Place of Dyer. He is survived by: Wife-Florence Children: Mary Bill Shelhart, Joseph W. Maginot, Sara Wolfe, & Heidi Nick Itczak Grandchildren: Amy, Beth, Carrie Shelhart and Tiffany & Trinity Wolfe Sisters: Josephine late Clarence Scheidt Florence late John Hasprunar Sisters-in-law: Joann late George Pieters Dorothy late George Maginot Brothers-in-law: James late Lorraine Smitka William Pat Smitka Many Nieces & Nephews Preceded in death by: Parents: George & Clara Maginot Sisters: Marie Kleine and Lorraine Smitka Brother: George Maginot Brother-in-law: Bernie Smitka Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 10:00 AM DIRECTLY at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church with Fr. Joseph Vamos officiating. Interment at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the Geisen Funeral Home 109 N. East St., Crown Point on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 from 3:00 to 8:00 PM Mr. Maginot was the owner and operator of Magnet Acres Dairy for 40 years and member of the C.O.F. #99. He also was an avid fisherman and bowler. Mr. Maginot was a member of Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church. To share a memory or send a condolence please visit the guest book section on the obituary page at www.geisenfuneralhome.com For information call 219-663-2500

    • Daughter: Mary Maginot
      • Spouse: William Shelhart Married 26 May 1979
      • Daughter: Amy Shelhart
        • Spouse: Ryan Gilmore
        • Son: Connor Gilmore
        • Daughter: Allison Gilmore
      • Daughter: Beth Shelhart
        • Spouse: Rob Dawson
      • Daughter: Carrie Shelhart
    • Son: Joseph W. Maginot December 30, 1958 - July 24, 2014

      Joseph W. Maginot, 55, of Indianapolis, IN passed away July 24, 2014. Beloved son to Florence and the late Joseph Maginot; loving brother to Mary (William) Shelhart, Sara Wolfe, and Heidi (Nick) Itczak; cherished grandson to the late Joseph and Mary Smitka and the late George and Clara Maginot; adoring uncle to Amy (Ryan) Gilmore, Beth (Rob) Dawson, Carrie Shelhart, Tiffany (Brandon) Dolby, Trinity Wolfe and great uncle to Tony Garcia, Connor Gilmore and Allison Gilmore; dearest nephew to Joann (the late George) Pieters, Jim (the late Lorraine) Smitka, Bill (Pat) Smitka, and the late Bernie Smitka. Joseph will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be held Monday, July 28, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 2:00 p.m., both to take place at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home.

    • Daughter: Sara Maginot
      • Spouse: Wolfe
      • Daughter: Tiffany Vanessa Wolfe Born 17 August 1984 in Warren County, Kentucky
        • Spouse: Brandon Dolby
      • Daughter: Trinity Wolfe
      • Grandson: Antonio Garcia
    • Daughter: Heidi Joan Maginot Born about 1964
      • Spouse: Nicholas J Itczak Married 20 September 1991
  • Joanne Smitka Born about 1942
    • Spouse: George Pieters

      George "Pete" W. Pieters, 66, of Whiting, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 1999 at St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, Hammond. Survived by wife, Joann (nee Smitka); one son, Gary Pieters of Whiting; five daughters, Mary Ann (Bert) Bibat of Whiting, Nancy (Trevis) Mayfield of Sullivan, IN, Theresa (Garry) Buell of Munster, Katherine Pieters of San Francisco, CA and Rebecca Pieters of West Lafayette, IN; two sisters, Ethel (late Vernon) Boyer of Whiting and Ann Pieters of Whiting; sister-in-law, Florence (Joe) Maginot of St. John, IN; brothers-in-law, James (Lorraine) Smitka of St. John, IN and William (Pat) Smitka of Hammond; grandchildren, Elliott and Nathanial Babit, Nicholas and Ashley Buell and Douglas and William Mayfield; also numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Ann and brother, Joe.

      Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 21,1999 at 9:30 a.m. from the Baran Funer

    • Son: Gary Pieters
    • Daughter: Mary Ann Pieters
      • Spouse: Bert Bibat
      • Son: Elliott Bibat
      • Son: Nathanial Bibat
      • Son: Ethan Bibat
      • Son: Sam Bibat
    • Daughter: Nancy Pieters
      • Spouse: Trevis Mayfield
      • Son: Douglas Mayfield
      • Son: William Mayfield
    • Daughter: Theresa Pieters
      • Spouse: Garry Buell
      • Son: Nicholas Buell
      • Daughter: Ashley Buell
    • Daughter: Katherine Pieters
    • Daughter: Rebecca Pieters
      • Spouse: Justin? Faulkner
      • Daughter: Greta?
  • Son: James Smitka Born about 1931
    • Spouse: Lorraine Maginot 16 April 1931 - 12 August 2004
    • Daughter: Susan Smitka
      • Spouse: Drew E Sterley Married May 08, 1982
      • Son: Clark Sterley
        • Spouse: Kristin Ann James Born April 16, 1992
        • Son: Harrison James Sterley Born September 15 2013
      • Daughter: Lora Sterley
    • Son: Joseph Smitka
      • Spouse: Gayle Neyhart Married 24 November 1979
      • Daughter?: Traci Smitka
        • Spouse: Marc Urban Married October 3, 2009
      • Son?: Anthony Smitka Born about 1987
    • Son: Andrew Smitka
      • Spouse: Patricia Beadles married October 22, 1983
      • Son: Jason Smitka
      • Daughter: Bethany Smitka
    • Granddaughter: Emily Smitka
      • Spouse?: Susan Strickley
  • Son: William J Smitka Born about 1935
    • Spouse: Patricia A Stiscak Born about 1937 Married October 13, 1956

      Stiscak- Smitka Vows Said

      Holy Trinity Croatian Catholic Church in East Chicago was the scene of the wedding Oct. 13, which united in marriage the former Miss Patricia Ann Stiscak and William J. Smitka. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George J. Stiscak, 6623 Homerlee Ave., East Chicago, and the groom is the son of Mrs. Joseph Smitka, 1631 Myrtle Ave., Whiting

      The Rev. Paul Bogovich officiated at the 10 a.m. double ring ceremony. The children's choir sang as the bride placed a bouquet of white flowers at the altar of the Blessed Virgin.

      Bernard Smitka, brother of the groom, was the best man. The ushers were Joseph Hajduch, George Stiscak, brother of the bride, and Richard Miller. Henry Strand, cousin of the groom, was the ring bearer.
      • • •
      GIVEN IN marriage by her father, the bride selected a floor length gown of Chantilly lace and tulle for her wedding. The fitted bodice was designed with a high collar and long lace sleeves, extending in points over the wrists. The full skirt with inserts of pleated nylon tulle over satin cascaded into a chapel train.

      Her fingertip veil was secured to a lace crown trimmed in iridescent sequins and seed pearls. She carried a white orchid surrounded by stephanotis on a lace-covered prayerbook.

      Wearing gowns of coral lace over taffeta with matching headpieces were the Misses Barbara Ewbanks, maid oZ honor, Dorothy Ficht, cousin of the bride, Marga Koselke, and Florence Boglelczyk, bridesmaids. They carried sprays of white carnations with coral streamers.
      • • •
      FOR HER role as flower girl, Kathlyn Walter was dressed in a white lace gown and carried coral baby mums.

      The newlyweds greeted 350 guests at a reception held at the Croatian Hall in East Chicago.

      For traveling to California, the new Mrs. Smitka wore a black and white tweed suit, with black accessories.

      The bride is a graduate of Bishop Noll High School and is employed at the Meyer's Heating Co., in Hammond. Her husband Is a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School and is employed at the Standard Oil Co. of Whiting.

      The couple will reside at 1531 Myrtle Ave., Whiting.

    • Son?: Thomas M Smitka
    • Daughter?: Diane Marie Smitka
    • Daughter: Carolyn M Smitka
      • Spouse: Mark J Mckechnie Married 11 July 1986
      • Daughter: Megan Mckechnie
      • Son: Mark Mckechnie
      • Son: Michael Mckechnie
    • Son: William G Smitka
      • Spouse: Marcia Sopko Born about 1974? Married August 2003
    • Daughter: Janet Smitka
      • Spouse: Timothy Opinker Married October 1999

        Smitka~Opinker

        Janet Lynn Smitka and Timothy Joseph Opinker were married in Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Hammond. A reception was held at Glenwood Oaks in Glenwood. Mr. and Mrs. Opinker spent their honeymoon in Aruba. They will live in Griffith.

        Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. William Smitka of Hammond and Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Opinker of Hammond.

        The bride is a graduate of Morton Senior High School and attends Purdue University Calumet.

        The bridegroom is a graduate of Morton Senior High School and Purdue University and owns T.O.'s Lawn Care.

        Carol McKechnie was the matron of honor and Michael Opinker was the best man.

      • Daughter: Grace Opinker
    • Grandson?: Steve Smitka
• Daughter: Irene Smitka/Smitha Marriage record Born 15 Dec 1907, Married 30 Oct 1928 Died 17 November 2000

  Irene R. Matuga (nee Smitka) East Chicago Born December 15, 1907 Died November 17, 2000, of cancer.

  She was survived by son, Joseph of East Chicago, IN; grandson, Matthew A. (Julia) of Perrysburg, Ohio; granddaughter, Janis L. Matuga of Austin, Texas; great-granddaughter, Chloe A. Matuga; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by husband, Andy (1978) and son, Andrew (1995).

  According to her wishes, her body was donated for medical purposes. A private service was held by the immediate family. Arrangements were made by Oleska-Pastrick Funeral Home.

  She was a member of the former Assumption B.V.M. Church and the Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union.

  • 1930 Census
  • 1940 Census
  • Spouse: Andrew Matuga "Andy" 1907 - October 1978
  • Son: Andrew Matuga 1930-1995

    Andrew J. Matuga, 65, of East Chicago and Chicago, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 1995. He is survived by his mother, Irene and brother, Joseph, of East Chicago; nephew, Matthew (Julia) Matuga of Bloomington, Indiana and niece, Janis Matuga of San Antonio, Texas. Preceded in death by his father, Andy Matuga.

    Mr. Matuga was a former employee of the Inland Steel Company and worked for the Illinois Department of Public Aid. He was a member of the Legion of Mary and a permanent Deacon of the Arch Diocese of Chicago assigned to St. Mark's Church of that city. Private services were held by the family. According to his wishes his body was donated to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois.

  • Son: Joseph Matuga
    • Spouse: Virginia Figueroa Married 11 July 1964 Likely dovorced
    • Son: Matthew A Matuga
      • Spouse: Julia Mame Crundwell Married 3 August 1991
      • Daughter: Chloe A Matuga
      • Son: Aidan Andrew Matuga Born 27 April 2001 in Ohio
    • Daughter: Janis Matuga
• Son: Andrew Smitka Born about 1910 Possibly 20 October 1909 - 10 March 1970 SMITKA, Andrew R. 60 East Chicago,IN 3/10/1970 WWII All Souls Long Beach,CA Amelia Wysocki Obituary in Long Beach California Independent Friday, March 13, 1970
  • Spouse: Amelia Wysocki 19 June 1906 - 18 July 1989 Married 07 January 1932
  • Daughter: Theresa Frances Smitka September 22, 1933-
    • Spouse: August Robert Marté 2 September 1956 September 10, 1928 - 19 August 1991
    • Son: André Robert Marté December 10, 1958
      • Spouse: Christine Doughty
      • Son: Alexandre Robert Marté March 24, 1986
      • Son: Austin William Marté January 2, 1991
      • Daughter: Aimeé Christine Marté January 2, 1991
    • Son: Philip August Marté Born June 26, 1960
      • Spouse: Marcie B. Reese Born 08/15/1962 Married 16 Jul 1983
      • Son: Ross Philip Marté Born January 3, 1990
      • Daughter: Natalie Beth Marté Born January 3, 1990
    • Spouse: Donald Greco Married 25 June 2005
  • Daughter: Andrea A Smitka Born about 1938
    • Spouse: Paul Benedict Bauman 15 January 1930 Married 1958 Died 3 January 2007
    • Son: Charles Andrew Bauman 19 Jun 1959
    • Daughter: Patricia A Bauman 20 Mar 1961 - 26 September 2014
    • Info Obituary

      Patricia Anne "Patty" BOYD (03/20/1961 - 09/26/2014)

      BOYD, Patricia Anne "Patty" (Age 53) Patty of Medical Lake, WA died Friday, September 26, 2014 and is now at peace in the arms of her Lord. Born in Canoga Park, CA, on March 20, 1961, Patty was the beloved daughter of Andrea Ann (Smitka) Bauman and the late Paul Benedict Bauman, and the mother of two cherished sons, Christopher Charles Boyd and Nicholas Paul Boyd. After graduating from Glendale High School in California and attending Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Patty enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1985 and served our country for 21 years. She served at bases in Spangdahlem, Germany and Aviano, Italy, before being stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base and making Spokane her family's home. Patty retired from military service in 2006 and later returned to work as a civilian at Fairchild until 2013. Patty was active in her church community and trusted in God's plan for her. She was a dedicated patriot. During Operation Desert Storm she was deployed, leaving her family and newborn son for close to a year. She was an inspiration and friend to all, never hesitating to give her own time to help others in need. Of all her accomplishments, Patty was most proud of being a mom to her two wonderful sons, Chris and Nick, and she held dear every moment they spent together. She found joy in nature and the simple things: spending time with family and friends, catching the sunrise at the lake, working in her garden, cheering for the Dodgers and spoiling her treasured pets. Her grace, her kindness, her bravery and her deep faith in God touched all of us who loved her. She will be sorely missed. She is survived by her two sons; her mother; a dear brother, Charlie Bauman of Los Angeles, CA; her extended family, Margaret and Ava Boyd of Coeur d'Alene, ID; eight nieces and nephews; and her companion, Steve McCormick. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 4th at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Sherman Chapel, 322 Hubbard, Coeur d'Alene.

      • Spouse?: Boyd
      • Son: Christopher Charles Boyd
      • Son: Nicholas Paul Boyd
• Daughter: Frances Louise Smitka March 07, 1911 - December 21, 1999. Was in Burbank around 1962.

  Frances Louise Ginther, 88, died Dec. 21, 1999, in Burbank.

  Mrs. Ginther was born in East Chicago, Ind. She was a Burbank resident for 37 years. She was retired from Newberry's.

  She is survived by her son, John; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

  A funeral Mass was held Dec. 23 at St. Finbar Catholic Church followed by interment at San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

• Marriage record (Indicates "Rose" and name "Genther") 12 May 1931
• 1940 Census
  • Spouse: Pete Ginther 2 September 1909 (Indiana) - 26 September 1967 (California)
  • his ancestry
  • Son: John Ginther Born 1934 or 1935. Children likely born in later 1950s and 1960s, possibly in Southern California. Possibly John Robert Ginther 22 November 1934 - 8 November 2007 in Canyon Country, California. Possible relatives: Barney Ginther, Bernard Ginther, Yvonne Ginther
    • Spouse?: Bonnie Small Born about 1936 Married 28 Mar 1964 Divorced Aug 1970
    • Daughter?: Cindy Lee Ginther Born about 1958
      • Spouse: William Carl Helweg
        Born: 10 December 1952
        Married: 9 October 1976
        Died: 7 September 2007
      • Daughter: Melissa Renee Helweg Born on October 26, 1981
        • Spouse?: Bittick
    • Child:
    • Child:
    • Child:
• Spouse: Steve Zrenchik 1884-31 May 1940

  The Hammond Times Indiana May 31, 1940 Obits

  Stephen ZRNCHIK, 58, of 1825? Lakeview Avenue, Whiting, died suddenly this morning in St. Catherine's, where he was rushed after complaining of illness as he arose from bed and prepared to go to work at the Standard Oil Company's Whiting refinery where he had been employed for 17 years as a machinist helper.

  A resident of Whiting for 17 years, ZRNCHIK is survived by:

  Wife: Sophie
  Sons: Joseph ZRNCHIK of Whiting
  Andrew SMITKA
  Joseph SMITKA of Indiana Harbor
  Daughters: Mrs. Anna ZANNIS of Joliet, Ill.
  Mrs. Irene MATUGA
  Mrs. Frances GINTHER of Indiana Harbor
  Brother: Joseph of Whiting
  Sister: Mrs. Mary SKUBAN of Joliet

  Services will be held at the residence Monday and from the Immaculate Conception church with Rev. John Lach officiating. Burial in St. John cemetery, Hammond.

  ZRNCHIK was a member of the Pennsylvania Slovak Men's Union Branch No. 96? and the First Catholic Slovak Union branch No. 452.

• Stepson?: Joseph Zrenchik
  1909-
  1920 - 2000
  1891 - 1965