Donald D. Sodini

The foundation of his family, Don Sodinis life could be summed in three words . . . faith, love and family. A dedicated and hard working man, he was foremost a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. A true teaser at heart, Don had an uncanny sense of humor and it brought him joy to bring smiles to the faces of those he loved and cared about. Extremely proud of his family, he was also blessed to have had so many special friends. His memory will be treasured as he is, and will be greatly missed. As the nation struggled through the worst year during the Great Depression, the U.S. jobless rate in 1933 touched over 15 million families. At the same time, great accomplishments were being made in the culture of America. FDR held his first Fireside Chat to boost the spirits of Americans as many looked to entertainment to divert their attention from the cloud of economic struggle. In Muskegon, Michigan, Dante and Dorothy (Kubon) Sodini were filled with hope and promise as they joyfully welcomed their firstborn child, a baby boy, they lovingly named Donald. Born at home on October 14, 1933, Donald was later joined by younger siblings, Betty and Tom. Young Donald grew up in Muskegon on his family blueberry farm. His father not only worked the farm but also held a position at Teledyne Continental Motors. Donalds mother was a homemaker and tended to the blueberry farm. Donald enjoyed all that lakeshore living had to offer. Early on he discovered an unending love for fishing and hunting. Like many young boys, he especially loved hanging out with his many friends, but he was particularly close to his best buddies Chuck Felt and Norm Ferris. Together they found their share of mischief, like skiing behind cars pulled with ropes or racing the cows back to the barn only to discover they could not milk. As a family, the Sodinis were close and enjoyed spending time together. Each Saturday night was movie night and they frequented US 31 BBQ restaurant often. Fun filled days were spent fishing for perch off the pier on Lake Michigan, going for Sunday rides and they always looked forward to great times at the Hart Fair each year. Don attended the local grade schools and then went on to the North Muskegon Schools. He missed an entire year of high school when he came down with rheumatic fever. Quite serious, he even came close to death. Although Don loved sports, he wasnt able to participate due to complications of his illness. After his junior year of high school, Don joined the U.S. Army. He served during the Korean Conflict while stationed in Austria, a country he came to adore and told many tales of through the years. Following Dons discharge from the service, he met a pretty young girl named Jean Dewey who stole his heart while roller skating at the Curve Crest Roller Rink. Jean played hard to get at first, but all it took was a night of square dancing together at the Circle S Barn and Jean soon realized she was quite taken with Don. Jean loved to square dance and the evening set the stage for a love that continued to grow. Don married the love of his life on June 22, 1957, and throughout their years together, Jean managed to get Don to take her dancing on only two more occasions! Don attended Hobart Welding School, learning a trade that served him well. He worked for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway and began a welding business on the side, Sodini Welding. He put all he had into his business, and continued to do so until he was too ill. Don and Jean used wedding money from Jeans mom to purchase bricks that he used to start building their home on family property given to them from his parents. From paycheck to pay check, Don bought the supplies he could afford and eventually their beloved family home came to fruition on the very property Don grew up hunting and playing on. In 1958 Don and Jean were blessed with a daughter, Lynne, followed by Rhonda in 1960. Daniels birth in 1961 completed their family, and Don could not have been happier. They enjoyed memorable holidays together, especially a well loved family tradition of oyster stew on Christmas Eve. They loved taking annual family camping trips visiting many areas of the country, including Mexico and Canada. An attentive and loving father, Don was sure to be at their events and other activities. They loved attending the Trout Festival each spring and spent time morel mushroom hunting in Kalkaska, Michigan. Summers were great as they enjoyed boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing on Duck Lake and Muskegon Lake. As his love for hunting continued, Don treasured the opportunity to take his son and grandson pheasant hunting in Iowa. He and Jean acquired many special friendships over the years. Through his love for hunting, fishing, golfing, church and work, Don was a wonderful friend to many. He served his church, First Evangelical Lutheran Church as a devoted member and was involved with the Don Rea VFW Post 8846, the Duane E. Dewey Amvets Post, and Seaway Gun Club. Ever present, he was a dedicated golfer at Bent Pine Golf Club accomplishing many hole in one feats, this taking place after riding his bicycle to the course on many occasions. In time, golf became quite a passion for Don. He loved the sport, especially year round when he and Jean began spending the winter months in Florida. Don also had a knack for gardening. A jack of all trades, he could fix anything and was truly gifted in this area. When his parents blueberry farm building caught fire, Don gathered the charred pieces of a tractor and rebuilt it with his own hands. It literally looked brand new! As a gifted carpenter, Don made treasured pieces of furniture for his children that will continue to be cherished for years to come. He was often called upon to fix things for his family, and all he asked in return was to watch and learn. At the age of 55 Don decided to retire. He enjoyed getting together with his coffee buddies at Mr. Quicks, but retirement to Don meant more time with his family, whom he deeply loved and adored. A true teaser at heart, he loved the company of his grandchildren and never missed attending one of their sporting activities, dance recitals or other programs they were involved in. He liked pulling the girls ponytails, all in love, and told the best stories. His grandkids always had loads of fun with Don. Whether it was rope swinging or golf cart rides, going for ice cream, golfing or hunting, Don always made it a memorable time for them. It proved to be a difficult time when Don was diagnosed with cancer, but he maintained great strength and courage. Even on the most bleak of days when the illness seemed to get the best of him, one of his adoring grandchildren could put a sparkle in his eye and a smile across his face. Sadly, at the age of 76, Donald Sodini lost his battle on Friday, April 23, 2010 and went on to be with his Lord. As a devoted and loving husband, Don was extremely proud of and grateful for everyone in his family. He was a pillar of strength, and was always there for them, no matter what. Along with his faith, his family held the greatest importance in his life. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. He is survived by his wife, Jean; daughters, Lynne (Dean) Fogarty and Rhonda (John) Kaber; his son, Daniel Sodini; grandchildren: Jeremy Tjapkes, Amanda Fogarty, Christopher and Adam Gundy, Josh and Summer Kaber, Ashlee, Andrea, Cody and Nicholas Sodini; great-grandson, Brayden Sodini; his brother, Tom (Norma) Sodini; uncle, Frank (Shirley) Sodini; several beloved nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty Andrew. SERVICE: Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 11AM at First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Bill Uetricht officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. VISITATION: Tuesday 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home and for one hour prior to service at the church. MEMORIAL: First Evangelical Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, submit a photo or to sign Dons online guest book.