Joseph John Smoliga

This obituary was lovingly written by the family of Joseph Smoliga.

Online condolences can be made at www.donaldsonfuneralhomes.com

Joseph "Joe" John Smoliga, the son of the late Michael and Mantoaka Smoliga was born on September 13, 1944. On January 7, 2024, Joseph entered eternal rest within his home in Laurel, MD.

Growing up, Joe attended Central High School and the University Of Central Oklahoma.

Joe was drafted during his college years and was in the Army from 1966-1969 and enjoyed talking about his Army days. He was in the process of gathering medals and awards from the Army to display in his “man’s room”, as well as his own dog tags from the Army.

Joe enjoyed many years of playing golf, with his friends, while traveling to various golf courses. In his younger years he wrestled, played football and did white water rafting.

He also painted as a young adult and did a picture of Snoopy, from the Peanuts cartoon, which he proudly still displayed on a wall in our home. If you have heard of the “History Channel”, you did not have to watch it. Just ask Joe and he could tell you anything you wanted to know about history.

Joe retired after a long career from the Government Printing Office (GPO) in 2004. He enjoyed many years of his retirement, which included a family cruise to Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. The highlight was being with his sisters, Pat, Tina and their families, as each live in different states, California and Oklahoma. He also enjoyed traveling to Argentina for Candice and Eric’s wedding, as it was a wonderful experience.

During retirement Joe, along with his wife, volunteered for Meals On Wheels, delivering healthy meals for seniors or to those who could not get out to get food and prepare it.

Joe is survived by his wife of 38 years Linda, daughter Candice (Eric), sister-in-law Lorraine (Wayne), sisters Pat Andrade (Roland), Tina Smith (Homer), half brother Michael Smoliga (Robyn), step brother Johnny Archuleta (Vicki), step sisters, Madeline Schott and Martha Watts, and a host of nieces and nephews and long time friend, Albert Troupe.

He is greatly loved and will be missed.

Memorial donations in honor of Joseph Smoliga may be made out to

Friends of Chambers Library,

University of Central Oklahoma,

Max Chambers Library,

Campus Box 192,

100 N. University Dr.

Edmond, OK 73034

Or any charitable organization of your choosing, but please include in memory of Joseph Smoliga.