Keith E. Smukala "Smokey" passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Health Source Saginaw following a long battle with kidney disease.  Keith was born June 12, 1963 at Hubbard Memorial Hospital in Bad Axe, MI to the late Melvin and Carolyn (Nicholson) Smukala.

Keith was a die set leader at Tower automotive for many years before taking to the road as a long- haul truck driver. Before taking an early retirement due to illness, he finished his truck driving career with J.W. Hunt.  Keith was a fun-loving guy, always trying to be the life of the party. If Keith was in the room, a good belly laugh was sure to be heard. His favorite place to be was driving his Harley on the open road. His idea of a perfect life was simplicity, family and a good dog.

Surviving to cherish his memory and laugh at his shenanigans are his daughter and her husband, Stacey Smukala and William Chubb, Jr.; Grandchildren Kamdyn, Henry, Nolan, Bre and Kye Chubb and Leileeana Adamski; his sisters, Suzanne (Gerry) Prich, Patricia (Paul) Dupuis, Janice (Mike) Carson and Lesa (Mark) Mouton; and his brother Steven (Joanne) Smukala. He is also survived by his uncle and godfather, Edward (Mary) Nicholson and another uncle, Charles (Sue) Nicholson; his sister-in-law, Cathy Brown; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also left to cherish his memory are close friends, Rus and Colleen Samborski, Mike Grossbeck and Jason Heiden.

Greeting Keith in his eternal life besides his parents are his son, Jason Smukala; his grandson, Jason, who was born sleeping; his brother, Daniel Smukala; his grandparents, Theodore and Bernice Smukala and Edward and Erna Nicholson.

Keith's family would like to send a very special thank you to the nursing and therapy staff at Health Source of Saginaw for their compassion and care at the end of his battle.

Funeral Services will be Friday, January 24, 2025 at 7pm at the Knoblock funeral home in Kinde.  There will be visitation from 2pm until the time of service at 7pm. Cremation will follow.