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Sobaski, Harold J.
Harold J. Sobaski, 84, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Washington, died Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, at St. Luke's Living Center West, Cedar Rapids, following declining health. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, at St. James Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Troy Richmond officiating. Burial will be at the Elm Grove Cemetery. Visitation will begin at noon today at the Beatty Funeral Home with the family present from 5 to 6:30 p.m. A wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m., following the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be given to St. Luke's Living Center West Rehab Department for the purchase of therapy supplies.
Harold was born Oct. 16, 1926, at home on the family farm south of East Pleasant Plain, Iowa, Jefferson County, the son of John R. Sobaski and Bertha F. Kurtz. He graduated from Pleasant Plain High School in 1944. He was united in marriage to Florence Greiner on My 6, 1950, and farmed in Jefferson and Washington counties until 1972. He then worked as a dozer operator for the Iowa Department of Transportation, until his retirement in 1994. He moved to Cedar Rapids in 2007.
He was a member of the St. James Catholic Church in Washington.
Harold maintained a strong work ethic to provide for his family. He took great pride in the care of his feeder cattle while farming, and his dozer work in a six county area during his years at the DOT. He loved to dance and especially enjoyed the polka music of his Polish heritage.
He seldom met a stranger, delighted in conversation and leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. Dearest to his heart was his home and family.
Survivors are two sons, Duane Sobaski and wife Lucetta of Cedar Rapids, and John Sobaski and wife Julie of Iowa City; two daughters, Kathleen Patterson and husband Tim of Cedar Rapids, and Karen Sobaski of North Liberty; seven grandchildren, Patsy Halleran, Polly Forinash, Zachary, Justin, Branden, Brett and Calie Sobaski; seven great- grandchildren; and one sister, Rita Greiner of Washington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florence in 2007; and two brothers, William Sobaski and James Kurtz.
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