Thomas John Smrekar (Tom, TJ, Papa), 84, originally of Ely, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Duluth. A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 18 at St. Hildegard Catholic Church in Menoken, N.D. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tunnels to Towers Foundation. Arrangements are with Dougherty Funeral Home of Duluth.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Patty Smrekar; children and stepchildren, Ernest Smrekar, Todd Smrekar (Sue), Faye Proulx (Fred) and Jon Johansen (Jill); five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.