Vendelin Smolka, age 77, of Bannister, died Friday, November 19, 2010, at his home.

Vendelin was born December 24, 1932, in Slovakia, the son of Andrew and Maria (Spanik) Smolka. He came to the united States in the mid 1960’s and worked for Wolverine Worldwide in Ithaca and then Massey Ferguson in Detroit. After retiring, he resided in Bannister.

Vendelin is survived by his sisters, Alzbeta Zahorska and Agnesa Mieresova both of Slovakia; many nieces and nephews of Slovakia; and several cousins in Michigan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 30, at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church, with Father Wolfgang Streichardt officiating. Interment will follow in Ford Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. Monday, November 29, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with a prayer vigil at 5 p.m.