Charles Sokoloski's Obituary
Big Rapids - Charles R. Sokoloski, 87, of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, November 24, 2014, at his residence. He was born September 26, 1927, in Big Rapids, the son of Arthur and Edna (Turner) Sokoloski, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1945. Charles served with the U.S. Army for several years, and then joined the U.S. Navy until his honorable discharge in 1952. Following his discharge, he returned to Big Rapids, and on April 12, 1952, he married Virginia Pahnke. For 42 years, Charles worked as a lineman for Consumer's Energy until retiring. He was a member of the Big Rapids Aerie Eagles #2535, and was inducted into the Mecosta County Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. He loved hunting, fishing, and golfing, and enjoyed watching the Tigers and Lions. Charles is survived by his wife Virginia; 2 sons, Mike (Bonnie) of Wasilla, Alaska, Larry of Big Rapids; one daughter Kathy of Big Rapids; 7 grandchildren, Courtney, Megan, Lindsay, Katie, Kendra, Michael, and Rachel; 10 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Helen Critchfield of Big Rapids, Ruth Lane and Barb Manoski of Muskegon; and several nieces and nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his brother Jim. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 29, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions for the American Lung Association may be left at the funeral home, where Charles' family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.
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