Felix Michael Szmagaj

Felix M. Szmagaj (Mike) 88, of Valparaiso passed away early Thursday, May 11, 2023, after a long illness. He was born to Felix and Pearl Szmagaj on August 6, 1934, in East Chicago, Indiana. Mike is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Szmagaj of Valparaiso; a son, Tom Szmagaj (MaryEllen) of Valparaiso; a daughter, Kathy Ivester (Eric) of Greenwich, Connecticut; grandchildren: Rebecca Szmagaj (Carlos), Jennifer Jaskowiak (Paul), Melissa Szmagaj, and Chad, Jeff (Ava), and Blake Ivester; great grandchildren: Stella, Max, Jack, and Mia; and a niece: Charlene Anton (Bruce).

He married Mary P. Nepsha on April 28, 1957. Mr. Szmagaj graduated from East Chicago Washington High School and attended Purdue University/West Lafayette where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and Pasadena City College (California) where he played on the golf team. He proudly served in the US Army as a part of the North America Aerospace Defense Command at Ent Air Force Base in Colorado Springs.  After leaving the Army, Mike worked for Inland Steel for 38 years – first in the open-hearth furnace and later in managerial roles.

Mike loved to travel, golf, attend sporting events, fish, garden, and play pinochle. He also enjoyed getting together with his beloved high school Olympian Club members – a group of classmates that stayed close for over 70 years.

A memorial service will be at 12:00 pm (noon), Monday, May 15, 2023, at Bartholomew Funeral Home 102 Monroe St, Valparaiso, Indiana. There will be a brief visitation prior to the memorial service starting at 11:00 am.

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