John J. “Jack” Smrekar, 85, of Valparaiso passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. He was born February 10, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois to Jacob & Victoria H./ (Merkum) Smrekar, graduated from Mount Carmel High School and attended Purdue University Calumet. John began his career with Wisconsin Steel, transitioned to a position with Dupont before hiring in with Amoco Oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana where he served 25 years retiring as a Supervisor.
Jack had a very curious mind from a young age, especially when it came to mechanical things. As a young man he expressed that interest by street racing his car on the east side of Chicago, always modifying his car to go faster. Once married with a young family, he began his lifelong hobby of restoring classic cars and motorcycles. Jack had numerous hobbies throughout the years, including jogging, weightlifting, martial arts, and water skiing. In his later years, when he wasn’t tinkering in his shop, he could be found researching history or playing his accordion.
On May 4, 1963. he married Joan Sarafin who preceded him in death on February 1, 2026. Survivors include their children: John (Debbie) Smrekar of Valparaiso, Timothy (Jennifer) Smrekar of Valparaiso & Michelle (Tony) Balzanto of Florida, grandchildren: Suzanne, Buddy, Brian, Aaron, Kristina, Mitchell, Lea & Alyssa and great-grandchildren: Caleb, Marissa, Leah, Ava, Theo, Jack, Sara & Emmy. He was also preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Thomas & Edward Smrekar.
A private burial will be held at Angelcrest Cemetery, Valparaiso.
