Joseph Samuel Smeck 81, of Lena, IL passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 2, 2024, with his family by his side. Joe was born December 16, 1942, in Lena, IL, to Joe and Dorothy (Klinger) Smeck. He attended Lena Winslow High School and moved to Chicago shortly after graduation where he attended Barber School. At the age of 22 he enlisted in the US Army where he would go on to serve his country as a First Calvary Military Police being stationed in Germany and in the Vietnam War. When he returned home, he worked as a barber in Chicago and he met his wife, Ruth Jurdzy. They got married on April 12, 1969, in Freeport, IL.

Shortly after they got married, he took a job at WMAQ & WKQX Radio as a Studio/Field Engineer operating the sound boards for air talent. He transitioned to a job with NBC Sports which took him all over the country and world. He was a key member of the audio crew from setting up everything related to the sound - inside the stadiums to driving the 18-wheel mobile trucks from city to city.  He worked at about every sports event one can think of and had the opportunity to go to the Olympics games in Montreal, Atlanta, Salt Lake City and Australia. Later he transitioned to Channel 5 in Chicago and was the lead operator of the satellite truck as well as a news photographer. This led to multiple Emmy awards for his work.  He retired in 2004 and dedicated his time back to Lena to live on the farm with his Charolais beef cattle.

He had a great sense of humor and was a collector of all things, loved his bargains and bulk buying, enjoyed his pet cats, farming and traveling. He was always on the go. His favorite saying was "Let's take a ride" and you know you would get the full tri state tour.

He is survived by his children- Julie (John) Carlucci of Arlington Heights, IL and Joseph (Danielle Bonebright) Smeck Jr. of Lena, IL; 6 grandchildren- J.J., Michael, Nicholas, Mia, Madilyn, and Grace; girlfriend- Linda Vick and her son Zachary (Taylor Carter) Vick.

He was preceded in death by his Parents; wife Ruth in 2004; and numerous family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, Illinois.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, Illinois

Burial will take place at Waddams Grove Cemetery.

Faye Darnall will be officiating the service.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.

Memorials can be sent to the family at the following:

Leamon Funeral Home

ATTN: Joseph Smeck Family

P.O Box 226

Lena, IL 61048