Erwin Smolinski

Erwin H. Smolinski, 88, of Sheboygan Falls and formerly of Iron Mountain, Michigan, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016, at Pine Haven Residential Home. Erwin was born on February 28, 1928, in East Prussia, Germany, the son of Otto and Emilia (Rogalla) Smolinski. He attended school in Germany and then served with the German Forces during World War II. On August 11, 1949, he married Christel Hartung. He and his wife immigrated to the United States on December 16, 1955. Erwin worked for the US Postal Service as a contracted mail carrier for over 30 years before his retirement in 1993. Erwin was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Kingsford, MI. He enjoyed building homes, going for walks, telling life stories and jokes, reading and German music. Erwin is survived by his wife of 67 years, Christel, of Pine Haven Residential Home in Sheboygan Falls; his daughter, Brigitte (Mark) DeMaster of Cedar Grove; his son, Harold (Linda) Smolinski of Sheboygan; ten grandchildren. Jonathan (Hannah) DeMaster, Nicholas (Alyssa) DeMaster, Kari Ventura, Daniel DeMaster, Martina (Tony) Schraven, Andrew (Amanda) Smolinski, Valerie (Yves) Kongolo, John (Maura) Smolinski, Tammy Anderson, and Gary (Toni) Anderson; 16 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Hildegard (Wilfred) Goretsky and Waltraud Langenbrink, both of Germany. Erwin was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Walter and Willie Smolinski. A funeral service to celebrate Erwin's life will be held at 1 pm on Monday, December 19, 2016 at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg with Rev. David VanDixhorn officiating. Burial will take place at Oostburg Cemetery in the Town of Holland. Relatives and friends may gather at the funeral home on Monday from 11 am until the time of the service at 1 pm. A memorial fund has been established in Erwin's name for Pine Haven Christian Communities and the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting Erwin's family with arrangements.

Visitation

Monday, December 19, 2016 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wenig Funeral Home - Oostburg
108 Center Ave. Oostburg 53070, United States

Service

Monday, December 19, 2016 1:00 PM
Wenig Funeral Home - Oostburg
108 Center Ave. Oostburg 53070, United States