Gary Rudolph Smutny, 82, of Topeka, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on January 7, 2023.

Born on July 4, 1940, to the unity of Rudolph and Bernice (Bergmann) Smutny.

Gary graduated from Seaman High School and attended Washburn University.  He served in the US Army Reserves for 8 years.

Gary was a member of American Legion Post 400.  He worked for Sears Roebuck as District Manager overseeing several stores and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, where he retired.

Gary loved spending time with his family and enjoyed his hobbies, especially his collection of model railroad trains, building projects, and traveling to all 50 states, Mexico and Canada.

Gary was a member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church in Topeka.

Gary married the love of his life, Rita (Hochard) Smutny on June 18, 1960 at St. Patrick Catholic Church at Coal Creek, KS in Nemaha County.  They were married over 62 years and enjoyed a long, fulfilling life together.  She survives.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Bernice Smutny, and a sister Janice Smutny.

He is survived by his wife, Rita, of the home; five daughters Annette (Doug) Roach, Wichita, KS; Tammy (Mark) Conley, Topeka, KS; Michelle (David) Martin, Leawood, KS; Brenda (Jeremy) Kebert, Topeka, KS; Jennifer (Scott) Bauer, Evans, GA; one son John Smutny, Wichita, KS; a brother Larry Smutny, Topeka, KS; and two sisters Jeanne (Mike) Chavez, Topeka, KS; Joanne (Darrell) Abernathy, St. Louis, MO; 23 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church on Thursday, January 12 ^th at 10:30 a.m. celebrated by Father Tim Haberkorn.  Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Hoyt, KS.  Gary will lie in state after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt, KS, where friends and family are invited to celebrate his life with the rosary being prayed at 6:00 p.m., followed by visitation until 8:00.  Memorial contributions may be made to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church and sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 280, Hoyt, KS  66440.  On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com