John R Sobieski

John's life began on December 1, 1935 in South Bend, the son of Bernard and Marie (Suplicki) Sobieski. He was united in marriage to Gloria Light on August 18, 1952 in Cassopolis. John was employed by Consolidated Die Cast (Contech) in Dowagiac for 35 years as a maintenance supervisor. After retiring from Contech John worked for Gaylord Stevenson Conveyors in Paw Paw. John was active in the horsemanship program for the Cass County 4-H. He was a member of the Cass County Sheriff's Mounted Division. John loved to hunt and fish and ride snowmobiles. He competed in snow mobile races in northern Michigan. He loved riding his Honda Goldwing and loved attending the blessing of the bikes in Baldwin each year. John was a skilled welder and made woodstoves for family, a pony cart, horse trailers and his own wood splitter. His most recent hobby involved learning to play the guitar. His greatest joy was his family which includes his wife of 58 years Gloria Sobieski of Dowagiac, his children Gloria “Peachy” Koenig of Dowagiac, Katie (Gary) Peterson of Edwardsburg, Tim Sobieski of Dowagiac and Chuck (Denise) Sobieski of Dowagiac, grandchildren Lisa Koenig, Michelle Stelmasiak, Becky Ledesma, Carrie (Deny) White, Caren Sobieski, Crystal Sobieski, Chuck Sobieski, Jr., and Cindy Sobieski, great grandchildren Katelyn Ledesma, Deny White, Jr., Myndy White, Gracelyn Caldwell and Gabriella Patterson and one brother Ben (Beverly) Sobieski of Baldwin, MI. John passed away on Wednesday December 22, 2010 at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister Lorraine Pifer. His family will receive friends on Sunday from 5-8 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel where his funeral service will be held on Monday at 2 p.m. He will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Cemetery, Niles. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Cass County 4H Youth Fair. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of John at www.yazel-clark.com.