Matthew A. “Matt” Smolik, 90, passed away on Sept. 16, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
Born on July 30, 1924, in Timken, he was the son of Frank James and Agnes (Rudolf) Smolik.
In 1943, he graduated from Bison High School. On July 19, 1955, he was united in marriage to Doris E. Camp in La Crosse. He worked for the Bison Co-Op driving the tankwagon for a period of time, and after moving to the Great Bend area in 1967, he worked for the City of Great Bend Street Department. Later he worked for Doonan Trailer Manufacturing near Great Bend, and was a custodian at Harrison School (USD #428) in Great Bend for many years prior to his retirement.
Mr. Smolik was a United States Army veteran, having served during World War II. He enjoyed fishing and auto repair, and dearly loved mowing.
Survivors include his wife, Doris E. Smolik, Great Bend; four sons, Tom Smolik and his wife Tina, Bushton; Gary Smolik and his wife, Doris Ann, Montrose, Colo.; Steven Smolik and his wife, Mary Ann, Wichita; and Larry Smolik and his partner, Tony Lopez; Great Bend; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Smolik and his wife, Donna, Timken; and Robert Smolik and his wife, Sharon, Great Bend; a sister, Betty Axman, Olmitz; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Chris Smolik, and an infant granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Charter Funerals in Great Bend, with Father Ted Stoecklein officiating. Cremation will follow with inurnment to take place at a later date. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Charter Funerals in Great Bend, with a Rosary Service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be left and a complete obituary notice may be viewed at http://www.charterfunerals.com/obituary/chgb.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Charter Funerals*
2115 Washington St.
Great Bend, KS,  67530
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Sept. 18, 2014