William Jacob “Jake” Smaluk

William Jacob "Jake" Smaluk, 44, of Chesterton, IN, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 27 years, Tabatha; daughters Tara (Neil) Bewley of Morgantown, KY, Elizabeth of Lexington, KY, and Lyric; son Gavin, both at home; and grandchildren Owen, Elliott, and Lincoln Bewley of Morgantown, KY.

He is also survived by his mother, Allison Smaluk of Chicago, IL; father, Bill Gibson of Mooresville, IN; mother-in-law, Diana Polito of Chesterton, IN; brother, Luke of Chesterton, IN; sisters Kallindra (Joél) Zapata of Chicago, IL, Katherine (Rick) Varney of Chicago, IL and Stephanie Gibson of Mooresville, IN; nieces Alicia Smaluk of Rochester, IN, and Raeleigh Zapata of Chicago, IL; nephew Joél Zapata III of Chicago, IL; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Brooklynn; father-in-law Joe Polito; grandfather Don Gootee; and grandmothers Margery Gootee and Virginia Gibson.

Jake was a lifelong sports fan, a proud supporter of the Chicago White Sox, and a former Little League standout with a natural athletic gift. As a child, he was brilliant, excelling in Math AND English. He was full of curiosity, and known for his quick wit and big heart. His sharp mind and humor followed him throughout his life, as did his brother Luke who was his devoted best friend and lifelong wingman. Only 16 months apart, they were often referred to as one unit "Jake and Luke." Jake's wisecracks could lift the mood in any room. His smile lit up the space around him, and his warmth and charm made him unforgettable.

At 15, Jake survived a devastating accident that nearly took his life and forever changed its course. Though the physical scars eventually healed, the traumatic brain injury he sustained brought new challenges and a lifelong struggle with addiction. Despite the pain and distance this created at times, those closest to him never lost sight of the boy they knew. The brilliant, kind, funny soul who always kept trying. And he did try, every day. For moments, for hours, for days at a time, that light would shine through. And it reminded us of everything he was and all he hoped to be.

Jake was never happier than when he was with his kids. Whether it was tossing a ball in the yard, teaching them how to shoot a basketball, or getting everyone wrapped up in a video game marathon that stretched late into the night. He had a way of turning everyday moments into something unforgettable, from spontaneous kitchen dance parties to fiercely competitive card games. Just the weekend before he passed, he played cards with his family, laughing and joking like always. He couldn't wait to coach Gavin's Little League team and it was all he talked about. Those hours he spent playing, teaching, and just being Dad are now treasured memories, full of love, laughter, and the best parts of who he was.

Jake cherished his family and was a natural caregiver with a deep well of empathy. He stepped forward to care for his grandfather, Don Gootee, and his father-in-law, Joe Polito, during the final chapters of their lives, helping them get around, offering comfort, and providing day-to-day care with compassion and loyalty. He leaned into love, even when life felt heavy. He wanted so badly to live a life of peace and joy. On May 27, that peace finally came.

He is free now, reunited with his daughter Brooklynn, grandfather, and father-in-law. And he is loved. Forever.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 7 p.m. at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S 2nd St., Chesterton, IN. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be appreciated. https://gofund.me/7fc58163 Go Fund Me

Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.

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