John Sokol

John W. Sokol, age 82, passed away Monday, January 23, 2012 at Select Specialty Hospital in Saginaw, following a brief illness. He was born November 29, 1929 on the family farm in Wells Township, the son of the late George and Josephine (Barniski) Sokol and was a lifelong area resident. John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1953. He was united in marriage with the former Barbara E. Maziarz on September 28, 1957 at St. Ritas Catholic Church in Saginaw. She preceded him in death on February 20, 2008. John worked as a millwright at Grede Foundry in Vassar for twenty-seven years, retiring in 1992. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro, Caro Knights of Columbus Council #3224 and Holy Trinity 4th Degree and Caro V.F.W. Post #4164. John farmed all his life and fondly referred to it as his hobby. He was especially fond of his collection of tractors. John is survived by five children and their spouses, George & Diane Sokol of Caro and Sterling Heights, Katherine & Peter Romain of Caro, Valerie Mrak of New York City, Steven & Kay Sokol of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Lynette & John Kukowski of Phoenix, Arizona; seven grandchildren, Mark and Marnie Romain, Natalie Mrak, Sarah Sokol, Maxwell, Josephine and Barbara Kukowski; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters, Chester, Edward and Stanley Sokol, Julia Brady and Helen Kulpeksza. The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro with Rev. John Ladd officiating. Military honors provided by Caro V.F.W. Post #4164 and the U.S. Army. Visitation will be held at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. A rosary will be recited by the Knights of Columbus Council #3224 at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. In keeping with Johns wishes, cremation will follow the service. Visitation Information Date: Thursday, January 26, 2012 Time: 3:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map Service Information Date: Friday, January 27, 2012 Time: 11:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Campus Address: 140 Atwood Street Caro, MI 48723 989-673-2346 | Map