Richard J. Sokolowski, 71, of Cherokee passed away at his home surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, May 5, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cherokee. Burial was in Mount Calvary Cemetery at Cherokee. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.
Richard was born on April 13, 1955, to Henry and Eleanor (Murray) Sokolowski at Storm Lake. He attended Holy Name Catholic School through eighth grade and graduated from Remsen St. Mary's High School in 1973. He began farming his junior year of high school and he dedicated himself to raising crops and livestock until his retirement in 2007. In addition to farming, he was a welder at Obeco, and maintenance at Tyson in Storm Lake for part-time work. He especially cherished his time working with clients at the Cherokee Work Activity Center.
On Feb. 21, 1976, Richard was united in marriage to Lori Hahn at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Together they were blessed with four children: Leah, Aaron, Traci and Jessica. He later married Martha Staab on June 29, 2013, at Remsen St. Mary's Church.
Richard was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and was actively involved in several organizations including Cherokee County Cattlemen's Association, Pork Producers, Pheasants Forever and Farmers Union. In his earlier years, he was also a member of Farm Bureau.
In his free time, Richard enjoyed following politics, golfing, horseback riding, team roping, trail riding, playing cards and cooking. He treasured time spent with his family and took great pride in attending his grandchildren’s many activities, from ball games and track meets to music concerts and dance recitals. He also enjoyed traveling, vacationing and wine tasting. Known for his quick wit and humor, Richard was often the comedian of the group and brought joy to those around him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; first wife Lori Sokolowski on March 7, 2011; son Aaron on Dec. 18, 2015; brother-in-law George Smalling; and father-in-law Vernon Staab.
Richard will be lovingly remembered by his wife Martha of Cherokee; three daughters: Leah (Mike) Niemeier of Larrabee; Traci (Paul) Wilkie of Larrabee; and Jessica (Damon) Busse of Cherokee; stepchildren: Ashley Wells (Sonny Sird) of Meriden; and Amber Mayer of Sauk Centre, Minn.; grandchildren: Jay (Ashleigh) Schoen, Kiley Schoen, Patrick Paulsrud, Joe Sokolowski, Hope Sokolowski, Austin (Riley) Wilkie, Ashlyn Wilkie, Addyson Wilkie, Ethan Busse, Lana Busse, Kallie Busse; step grandchildren: Bentley Reed, Michael Wells, Elizabeth Wells, Nicholas Wells, Chevelle Wells, Hudson Wells, Taite Mayer, Kyle Sird, Cody Sird and Mason Sird; great-grandchildren: Noah, Immanuel, Haelyn and Kane; mother-in-law Edith Staab of Remsen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Mary Hahn of Cherokee; siblings: Mary Smalling of Mesa, Ariz.; Sue (Jim) Bettenga of San Diego, Calif.; Tom Sokolowski of Correctionville; Bill Sokolowski of Washta; and Jane (James) Miller of Wills Point, Texas; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Linda Hofmeister of Cedar Rapids; Tony (Nancy) Staab of Hubbard, Neb.; Diane (Bob) Vanderlinde of Colton, S.D.; Ronald Staab of West Des Moines; Pat (Mike) Onken of Williamsburg; Steve (Jeannie) Staab of Remsen; and Dan Hahn of Cherokee; special family: Michaela (Matt) Harris and family of Harcourt; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and other family members.
