Paul J. Sokup, Sr.

                Paul J. Sokup, Sr., 89, of Chippewa Falls, died Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the Chippewa Manor in Chippewa Falls under the care of St. Croix Hospice surrounded by his loving family.

                Paul was born July 25, 1933 in Chippewa Falls, the son of Peter and Teresa (Muehlbauer) Sokup. Paul played hockey for Saint John’s University in Collegeville, MN where he served as the goalie. He served honorably in the U.S. Army in Germany for 2 years. Paul owned and operated Paul Sokup’s Superette on the South Side for 20 years. After retirement, Paul worked at the Eau Claire Academy and Chippewa River Industries.

                On September 26, 1959, Paul married Patricia Duncan at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls. He was a member of Holy Ghost Church and the Knights of Columbus Goldsmith Council #974.

                Paul was devoted to his Catholic faith and to his family. He enjoyed bowhunting and fishing and was an avid outdoorsman. After retirement, he took up woodworking as a hobby and created many treasures for his family. He had a great sense of humor.

                Paul is survived by five sons, Paul, Jr., David (Allison), James and Dan (Dawn) Sokup all of Chippewa Falls and Michael (Mary) Sokup of Altoona; two daughters, Julie (Tony) Thalacker and Janet (Ray) Mullenberg both of Chippewa Falls; one sister, Ann Zeiger of Chippewa Falls; two brothers-in-law, John (Pam) Duncan and Bob (Lucky) Duncan both of Illinois; two sisters-in-law, Elaine Duncan of Chippewa Falls and Judy (Danny) Ramaker of Burnsville, MN; 23 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

                Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia on October 12, 2022; his parents; two brothers, Thomas Sokup in infancy and John (Angie) Sokup; a brother-in-law, Tom Zeiger; one grandchild; and twin great grandsons.

                Funeral services will be held at Noon on Wednesday, May 17 at Holy Ghost Church in Chippewa Falls. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. Military rites will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

                Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 and from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls. The Knights of Columbus Goldsmith Council #974 will recite the rosary at 4 p.m. and there will be a Christian vigil service at 5 p.m. both on Tuesday at the funeral home.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

Funeral services for Paul J. Sokup, Sr. were held at Noon on Wednesday, May 17 at Holy Ghost Church in Chippewa Falls.

                The Very Rev. Jesse Burish was celebrant of the funeral Mass assisted by Mass servers, Noah Mullenberg and Adam Thalacker. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. Military rites were conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

                Music during the Mass was provided by Judy Brist and Faith Mullenberg. Readings were given by Dannah and Laura Sokup. Gift bearers were Maria Camen, Cassie Davis, Amanda Kummer, Adrienn Menard, Faith Mullenberg, Hannah Ramaker, Alexandra Ryerson, and Theresa Sokup.

                Casket bearers were Ryan Ramaker, Christopher, Greg, Mitchell, Nicholas and Ryan Sokup, Andrew, Anthony and Austin Thalacker.

                Tuesday afternoon Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Gorman, chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Goldsmith Council #974 led the knights in the recitation of the rosary and Tuesday evening Rev. Burish led the family, relatives and friends in a Christian vigil service at the funeral home.   

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