Ronald Eugene Smoker, age 64 of Chesterton, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born February 4, 1948 in LaPorte, the son of Jacob Woodrow and Katharine Elizabeth (Steele) Smoker.

On November 3, 1972 at the Liberty Bible Church he married Jamie Link, who survives in Chesterton.

Also surviving are two sisters, Judy (Butch) Beck of New Carlisle, Ind., Kay Baumgartner of LaPorte, and a brother, Thomas Smoker of Valparaiso; brothers-in-law, Herb (Joyce) Link and Greg (Jane) Link of Chesterton as well as many nieces and nephews and special great-nieces and nephews, Allie, Meghan, Lauren and Maddie Dougherty, Chloe and Clarence Link and Brandon Swann.

He was preceded in death by his father Jacob, his mother Katharine Schnekenburger, in-laws Herb and Jean Link and brother-in-law Gary Link.

Ron was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. He was a gas supervisor with NIPSCO and a member of the Chesterton Moose Lodge and the Eagles Lodge #2517 in Valparaiso.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, February 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Bartholomew Funeral Home, 102 Monroe St. Valparaiso, with Pastor Joel Zipay officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 20, from 2-8 p.m. at Bartholomew Funeral Home.

Memorial Donations made be made to V.N.A. Hospice, 2401 Valley Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

To sign a guestbook for Ron, please visit www.bartholomewnewhard.com

Posted 2/7/2012