Walter Smrekar

WALTER J. SMREKAR age 97, beloved husband for 71 years of the late Jean T.  (nee Ristl); loving father of Barbara Britton (husband Terry), Janet O’Hara (husband Michael), Karen O’Brien (husband Terry) and the late Carol; devoted grandfather of Lt. Commander David Britton, U.S. Navy (wife Laura), Mark Britton (wife Alice), Colleen Weston, (husband Scott), Catherine O’ Hara, Corporal Steven O’Brien, U.S.M.C. (wife Stephanie) and the late Captain Christopher Britton, U.S. Army and great-grandfather of 4; cherished son of the late John and Victoria (nee Znidarcic); dearest brother of Clarence (wife Walburga) and the late Elmer and Florence Hoffman (husband Walter); dear uncle and great-uncle of many. U.S. Navy Veteran.

Walter was born on October 17, 1920 and passed away on February 1, 2018. A lifelong resident of Cleveland, he graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1939.  Walter owned and operated Smrekar Hardware for over 40 years. He loved learning, being outdoors, and traveling, and was a Civil War buff. He enjoyed tinkering in his workshop, especially machining and woodworking, and especially loved to enjoy a Stroh’s beer in the breezeway with his wife.  Walter’s family described him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, with a great sense of humor who loved to tease. He will be dearly missed.

Contributions may be made in memory of Walter to the Slovene Home For The Aged Foundation, 18621 Neff Rd, Cleveland, OH 44119. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church, 5384 Wilson Mills Rd, Highland Heights, OH 44143 at 10 AM. Burial following with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Walter at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) MONDAY 5-7 PM.