Raoul Smoczynski

Raoul Smoczynski, age 92 of Hastings and formerly of Niles, Illinois, died peacefully on Saturday, December 10, 2016, at United Hospital in St. Paul following a recent illness. Raoul was born to John and Mary (Caram) Smoczynski on September 25, 1924 in Bejucal, Cuba. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps two days prior to Pearl Harbor and served as an aircraft mechanic during WWII. Following his military service, Raoul was a graduate of Northwestern College and had worked as a chemist in various manufacturing industries. He married Marguerite ODowd and they had resided in the Chicago, Illinois area. After his wife passed, Raoul moved to Hastings and was an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, the Knights of Columbus and the Hastings VFW. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marguerite on June 14, 2013 and his daughter, Lynn Ann Vogel. Raoul is survived by his son, Michael of New York; grandchildren, Shannon Kubat, Shane Vogel, Nathaniel Shelley-Reade and Matthew Shelley-Reade; also great granddaughters, RaeLynn Ann and Savannah Rose Kubat. The funeral service, officiated by Gordon Gathright will be held at Noon Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 201 Seventh Street East in Hastings. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Following the service Military Honors will be provided by the Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post #1210.