Michael Edward Sokolski

Michael Edward Sokolski, age 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2026, following complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

He is survived by Helen, his wife of nearly 57 years; his children, Adam (Amy) Sokolski and Diane (Mike) Govenat; his grandchildren, Clare, Charles, and Crosby Sokolski, and Emma and William Govenat; his brother Charles Sokolski; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Michael (Mike) was born on April 19, 1941, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Edward and Helen Sokolski. He graduated from Green Bay East High School and obtained his Electrical Engineering degree from Marquette University. After graduating, he moved to Minneapolis and worked at Control Data for 27 years. He later worked at Horton Manufacturing and Nexen Group and consulted for General Dynamics. Outside of work, he was an active member of the former Lutheran Church of the Master in Edina and Woodlake Lutheran Church in Richfield. He will be remembered for his intelligence, his gentle spirit, and his witty sense of humor.

Mike and Helen would have celebrated their 57th Anniversary on April 12. Long-time residents of Richfield, Minnesota, they shared a wonderful life rich in friendship, love, and happiness. Mike’s happy place was the family cabin in northern Wisconsin, where they enjoyed golf (including Mike's hole-in-one), fishing, cross-country skiing, and watching wildlife. Mike and Helen also loved to travel, including cruises, Christmas trips to Branson, and road trips to visit family and friends across the country.

As a father, Mike was a dedicated supporter of his children’s education and activities. When Adam was involved in slalom skiing, Mike would stand on a frigid hill, drilling and installing ski “gates” into the ground for hours on end. He and Adam also enjoyed fishing together. Mike spent many days on the golf course at Voyager Village with Diane and later traveled all over the country to watch her play in college tournaments. He was so proud of their accomplishments and loved the lives they made with their spouses, his daughter-in-law, Amy, and son-in-law, Mike.

Mike was also a wonderful grandpa to his five grandchildren. He loved his grandkids dearly and enjoyed spending time with them, whether reading books about how things work, playing outside, or spending time at the cabin. They all miss him for his silly sayings and goofy mannerisms!

Mike was a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan. He loved watching the Packers win (or lose) and, as an “Owner,” he proudly wore Packers gear year-round, collected memorabilia, and was the ultimate Cheesehead.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Eileen (Gillis) Berken; his sister-in-law, Barb Sokolski; his brother-in-law, Jeff Gillis; his brother-in-law, Tim Berken; and his niece, Michelle (Sokolski) Murphy.

Thank you to the staff and caregivers at Havenwood of Richfield, Visiting Angels, and Brighton Hospice for their care. A special thank you to caregiver Tom for his friendship and kindness.

A memorial service will be held on May 15, 2026, at Woodlake Lutheran Church in Richfield, MN, at 11:00 am. Visitation one hour before the service, with a reception following.