Joan Smrekar, 83, of Valparaiso, Indiana passed away peacefully at home with her family on Sunday, February 1, 2026. She was born December 21, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois to Chester W. & Estelle R. (Kosariek) Sarafin and graduated from George Washington High School. Joan was an accomplished poet, having written numerous poems on multiple topics. She enjoyed collecting glassware, knick-knacks, interesting looking rocks and any other eclectic items that may have happened to catch her eye. Her oil landscape paintings are works of art that grace her home.
On May 4, 1963 she married John J. Smrekar who survives along with their children: John (Debbie) Smrekar of Valparaiso, Timothy (Jennifer) Smrekar of Valparaiso & Michelle (Tony) Balzanto of Florida, 8 grandchildren: Suzanne, Buddy, Brian, Aaron, Kristina, Mitchell, Lea, and Alyssa, and 8 great-grandchildren: Caleb, Marissa, Leah, Ava, Theo, Jack, Sara, and Emmy. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A private burial will take place at Angelcrest Cemetery, Valparaiso, Indiana.
