Norbert Anthony Smykacz

Norbert Anthony Smykacz, 90, retired Aeronautical Engineer from Cessna Aircraft, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2023. He was born May 3, 1932 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Norbert’s family owned and operated a bakery in Milwaukee where Norbert worked early hours at a young age tending the wood burning stove and baking before school. After high school he attended Parks Engineering and Aviation College in St Louis where he earned his BS degree in Aeronautical Engineering and his pilot’s license. He married Catherine Pozaric on Feb. 19, 1955, and had 57 wonderful years together. He is survived by his children, Margaret Anne (Carl) Detmer, Joe Smykacz, Rene (Mike) Smith, Richard Smykacz, Suzanne (Randy) Vandenhul; grandchildren Kyle (Katie) Detmer, Cara and Katie Detmer, Caitlin, Adam, and Luke (Maureen) Smith, Nicholas Smith, Max (Holly) Vandenhul, and Wyatt Vandenhul; great grandchildren Holly Smith, Kade Detmer. Norbert loved learning and earned multiple bachelor’s and master’s degrees over the years. He was dedicated to providing for his family and for many years worked a second job on nights and weekends. He worked in the aerospace industry for 53 years before retiring from Cessna at age 76. Norbert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. His greatest joys in life were his family and his faith, where he was a charter member of SEAS Catholic Church, serving on many organizations and ministries. He was a quiet, humble man known for his quick wit and funny one-liners. He will be greatly missed. Rosary will be on Sunday, January 22nd at 4:30 pm; Funeral Mass will be on Monday, January 23rd at 10:00 am, both at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Memorials are established at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 645 N. 119th St. West, Wichita, KS 67235, or The Lord’s Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com