Michael W. Smekens, 82 of Bluffton, passed away Monday, May 1, 2023, at his home of natural causes.
Mike was born Aug. 2, 1940, in Bluffton to Clemen and Martha (Kelly) Smekens. He graduated from Bluffton High School in 1958 and worked at Franklin Electric in Bluffton.
Mike served for 20 years in the Wells County Sherriff’s Department and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Parlor City Lodge 134.
Survivors include his children; Amy (Jarrod) Gerber of Bluffton, Chad (Amy) Smekens of Monroe; and 7 grandchildren, Isaac Gerber, Caleb Gerber, Audrey Gerber, Madison Smekens, Reagan Smekens, Cailyn Smekens and Lauren Smekens; and a sister, Suzie (Gary) Studebaker of Palm Harbor, Fla.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Patrick Scott Smekens; two brothers, John & Joe Smekens; and a sister, Jane Waters.
As Mike requested, there will be no formal service at this time. Memorials may be made in Mike’s memory to the FOP Cops for Kids Program and can be directed to the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com.