Nick J. Smudzinski

Nick J. Smudzinski, 52, of La Salle, passed away in his home surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with an extended illness on September 15, 2024.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 AM Saturday at St. Patrick’s Church in La Salle with the Very Rev. Thomas Otto officiating. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 9:00 AM until time of services. Nick will be buried with his parents privately at St. Vincent’s Cemetery in La Salle at a later date. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle has been entrusted with Nick’s arrangements.

Nick was born in La Salle on August 31, 1972 to Donald and Nancy (Essl) Smudzinski. He married Carrie Puyear on October 16, 1999. He retired as a police officer with the Spring Valley Police Department with over 22 years of service. He started a new career with Illinois Cement in La Salle. He loved hunting, fishing, cooking, and being outdoors. He was an avid Denver Broncos fan and loved his weekends watching football. He enjoyed buying his tickets and trips to Las Vegas. His Thanksgiving dinners were his specialty. He loved starting his deep fryer and his smoker, especially during football season. Nick loved his family and spending time with them.

Nick is survived by his two loving daughters Angela Smudzinski of Peru and Abby Smudzinski of Peru; two loving brothers Michael (Michele) Smudzinski of La Salle and Matthew (Sherri) Smudzinski of Oglesby; many great friends, including Jason Quinn of La Salle; his girlfriend Sarah Wendel of Mendota; three nieces Leah, Madelyn, and Emma Smudzinski; and aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents George and Toni Essl, and paternal grandparents John and Mary Smudzinski.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a trust that will be established in his daughters’ names.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nick J. Smudzinski, please visit our floral store.