Stephen P. “Steve” Sopkowicz, age 91, of West Bend, passed away Wednesday October 28, 2015 at the Lighthouse of West Bend.
He was born on May 9, 1924 in Goodman to the late Frank and Rose (nee Marchel) Sopkowicz and graduated from Goodman High School in the class of 1942. Steve enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served honorably during WW II in both the European and Pacific Theatres. After his discharge he was employed by Standard Oil Company and Firestone Company, before working as the parts & service manager for Wisconsin and the UP with the Morley-Murphy Company.
On November 17, 1951 Steve was united in marriage to Donna Mae Muzik at St. Leo Catholic Church in Milwaukee. In 1960 they moved to the Antigo area and started dairy farming, until moving back to Milwaukee in 1970, and Steve returned to Morley-Murphy until his retirement in 1991. Upon Steve and Donna’s retirement they moved to Goodman and enjoyed their historic home and cottage. Their final move was to West Bend in 1996 to be closer to their family. Donna preceded him in death on February 7, 2015.
Steve was a member of the Fred A. Schaefer VFW Post #1393 of West Bend. He and Donna enjoyed wintering in Florida and were avid world travelers. He was a very good all-around handyman and enjoyed woodworking, building many bird houses and feeders. Steve enjoyed hunting and fishing, and teaching his grandchildren to fish. In 2013 he was proud to be part of the honor flight to Washington D.C., and earlier this summer took a bi-plane flight in Milwaukee thanks to Ageless Aviation Dreams.
Those left behind to cherish Steve’s memory include two sons, Stephen L. (Linda) Sopkowicz of West Bend, and Craig (Carol) Sopkowicz of Chicago, IL; three grandchildren, Megan (Troy) Riehl, Silas Sopkowicz, and Diana Sopkowicz all of West Bend; great grand-daughter, Melanie for whom Steve always had a soft spot in his heart; brother, Stanley (dear friend Tish) Sopkowicz of Goodman; sister-in-law, Lynn Muzik of West Bend; other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial in remembrance of Steve will be held on Thursday, November 5th at 5:00 p.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church (138 N. 8th Ave.) West Bend. Rev. Gerald Brittain will officiate.
Gathering with family and friends will be on Thursday at the church from 4:00 p.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will be in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove on Friday, November 6th at 10:00 a.m.
Memorials to the West Bend VFW Post # 1393, or the charity of your choice are appreciated.
The family is grateful to the staff of the Lighthouse of West Bend, Seasons Hospice, and ComForcare for their kindness and loving care of Steve.