Lago Vista, Texas – Melvin Roy Smerchek, 93, formerly of Racine, passed away at Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie on Tuesday, October 2, 2012.Mel was born in Racine on December 24, 1918 to Edwin and Rose (nee French) Smerchek. He grew up on 5-1/2 Mile Road in Caledonia on the family farm, part of the Czech farming community. He attended the Westfield country grade school, and recently attended a special grade school reunion as one of the most senior persons to graduate from that school. More than 100 people attended the reunion for both the Westfield and Lamberton schools. After graduating high school, he worked for Harmony and Marigold Dairies. He married Grace J. Dolezal on April 5, 1941. Mel and his brother, Edwin, each built their homes next to one another on the farmstead. Mel was proud to have served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Machinist's Mechanic, where he worked on the engines of PT boats. Both Mel and Grace were lifetime members of Sokol, the close-knit Czech fitness and social organization. After the war, Mel worked for most of his career at the Don Hutson, and later Benicek & Huck auto dealerships as Parts Manager. Together Mel and Grace enjoyed square dancing, camping, and traveling, but most of all they enjoyed life together. Upon retirement, they moved to Lago Vista, Texas. They also built a lake cottage in Canada together where they traveled to and from Texas, and spent many summers there with cousins, Carl and Florence Vacek, who also had built a cottage on the adjoining property. Living in Texas, Mel and Grace volunteered much of their time working at the library in Lago Vista, and also for the Meals on Wheels program. Together they made many close friends over their 35 years there. They celebrated 65 happy years of marriage before she passed away on September 11, 2006. Mel was known and depended on as being able to fix anything for his neighbors and friends. He will be dearly and sadly missed by all those who knew him. Mel is survived by a sister, Elaine Haas of Fort Atkinson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Private family interment will take place at Bohemian National Cemetery on Five Mile Road in Caledonia.The family wishes to thank Dr. Ruggeri, and the compassionate staff and caregivers at Hospice Alliance while Mel was in their care.