Stanley B. Sopkowicz

Stanley B Sopkowicz, 91 of Goodman, WI passed away Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain. Stanley was born May 15, 1930 in Goodman, son of the late Frank and Rose (Marshall) Sopkowicz. He graduated from Goodman High School in 1948 and married Carol Graetz on July 25, 1953 at Union Protestant Church in Goodman. She preceded him in death in 2008. Stanley lived his entire life on his family farm, which was established by his father in 1913. He purchased the farm in 1953. In 1954 Stanley was called to serve our country in the US Army during the Korean War. For the two years he served, Carol, along with daily help from his father-in-law, Ferris, and brother-in-law, Ken, kept the farm running. He always said he owed them a debt of gratitude he could never repay. Without their help he felt he and Carol would surely have lost the farm. He spent most of his life running a successful dairy and beef farm. He also had a tree farm. He was selected as a finalist in 1963 for Marinette County’s outstanding young farmer. He was also a member of the American Legion and VFW. He served as commander of the VFW. He was an authorized provider in the Military Funeral Honors Program. He was a charter member of the Wild River and Goodman-Armstrong Creek Lions Club and was past president of both clubs. He was a supervisor on the Goodman town board, and also the town chairman. He was a member of the Goodman volunteer fire department, serving as secretary when it was established in 1966. He was a member of the Marinette County Board of Supervisors; shoreline zoning commission. He was a longtime director on the board of Laona State Bank. In July of 1989 he was honored in Madison for his tree farming program using Boy Scouts. He and Carol had countless fond memories of time spent with family and friends at the cottage on Lake Hilbert. Together they enjoyed traveling to places such as Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and marveled at the Redwoods. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and golfing, and was a member of the Nicolet Country Club in Laona. He was also a member of the Union Protestant Church. He is survived by a brother-in-law, Ken (Zona) Graetz of Green Bay, many nieces and nephews, good friend Tish Wellnitz, and so many other special friends and colleagues. Along with his wife Carol, Stanley is preceded in death by siblings Bernadette (Sister Gemma), Stella, Edward, Caroline, Bruce, Sophie, Steve, and Ted. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 19, 2021, at Union Protestant Church in Goodman with Pastor Tim Smith officiating. Graveside services will follow at noon at Glenwood Cemetery. The VFW will conduct military honors. Stanley could bring a smile to anyone's face (and often a chuckle), and could teach us all the importance of showing kindness to others. We express our heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at the VA hospitals for their compassionate care and concern for Uncle Stanley and also to his friend, Dennis Engel, for helping him get to doctor appointments, run errands and perform tasks around the house. Cards or condolences to the family of Stanley may be mailed to the funeral home or expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Stanley’s name to the charity of your choice. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Stanley B. Sopkowicz

May 15, 1930 - November 11, 2021