Anthony (Tony) Sokolowski

Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, Anthony “Tony” Sokolowski was a humble man who fully embraced both the peaks and valleys along his life’s journey. He was never one to focus on building wealth, rather, it was his desire to provide for the family he treasured that was the driving force behind his hard work. Tony was blessed to share much of his life with his true love with whom he witnessed his family tree blossom to include branches of numerous loved ones who made him so very proud. Accompanied by an unwavering faith, he used his time and talents to serve within his church and the community he called home throughout much of his life. Daily life will never be the same without Tony here, but the memories he leaves behind will be forever cherished by the family and friends he dearly loved.

The year 1929 is often remembered as the year of the historic crash of the stock market that sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression on October 29th. Although the 1920s had been primarily prosperous, the 1930s were filled with great trial and tribulation, and countless American families felt the strain. It was just prior to this historic day in American history that a young couple from Chicago, Illinois, was blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy on June 20, 1929. Anthony, who was often known as Tony, was the oldest of four boys born to his parents, Anthony and Theresa (Matysiak) Sokolowski, and he was raised in the family home alongside his brothers, Richard, Ronald, and Daniel.

In many ways Tony experienced a childhood that was a reflection of the time. He was raised in a home that was deeply rooted in their Polish heritage and the Catholic faith, and the Sokolowski family was not immune to the challenges of this trying decade. As a young boy Tony loved fishing, especially when he and his grandfather fished together at Marquette Park. He attended St. Joseph Catholic High School.

With a desire to serve his country, Tony joined the United States Army just prior to graduating from high school. He quickly finished his high school diploma while in the military and he ended up serving for a total of two years, nine months, and three days during the days of the Korean War. Upon his discharge, he received a letter of commendation that described Tony as a man of integrity, honesty and unapproachable character; a description that would follow him forever. For the rest of his life Tony was so proud of having answered the call to serve during this time of need. His deep love for his country was easy to see.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Tony’s introduction to the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Rita Grzegorczyk, and they met at a New Year’s Eve party. Sparks flew right from the start, and the couple soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Tony and Rita became husband and wife on June 4, 1955. Together they welcomed four children including Michael, Mark, John, and Lisa into their hearts and home.

Prior to going into the service, he worked as a brick mason for J. A. Kosowski so when he returned from the service, Tony attended a four year program at Chicago Vocational School where he learned cement masonry. Tony began working as a journeyman for Allen Parker Construction in Chicago. He enjoyed being a cement mason and made a career of it. Always wanting to live on a farm, Tony and his family moved to an old farm in Fulton, Michigan, in 1969. Since there was very little construction work in the area, Tony continued to work in Chicago during the week while spending his time back home on the weekend turning their house into a beautiful “castle” for Rita and the children. Tony loved his family and his small farm, and they made Fulton their home for 35 years. A strict father and disciplinarian, Tony instilled in his children a strong work ethic, and was very proud of them and their success. After about four years of commuting back and forth, Tony found steady work at Schweitzer Construction in Battle Creek. He eventually went to work for Miller Davis where he remained until retiring in June of 1991.

A vital part of his community, Tony was one to keep busy. He was an active member for 45 years of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church where he assisted with the auction that helped fund the new church building. Tony used his masonry skills to make a bench for the Mary Garden, and he was also instrumental in helping with the rectory remodel at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Mendon. In addition, he was a member of VFW Post 1527. Proud of his ancestry, Tony loved sharing a Polish beer with his friends. An avid outdoorsman, Tony could often be found fishing and hunting, and he also loved whittling and crafting items out of wood. When relaxing Tony loved reading, especially anything related to the military. As a staunch Republican, he loved watching Fox News to keep up on all the latest conservative news.

In more recent years, declining health left Tony with no choice but to slow down. It was six months to the day prior to his 60th wedding anniversary that he drew his last breath surrounded by his family.

All who knew Tony would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He has been described as a man of honor and integrity who was trustworthy and honest as well. With a heart that was as big as they come, Tony was generous, even selfless, with a strong desire to help anyone who was within his reach. A true patriot, he fully applied himself to whatever task lay before him. A hardworking man through and through, Tony was an inspiration to those around him. With unending love and devotion to his family, he created a timeless legacy that will be carried on by the generations who follow him.

Anthony Sokolowski, of Vicksburg, died at his home on December 4, 2014. He is survived by Rita Sokolowski his beloved wife of almost 60 years; his sons Michael (Cathleen), Mark (Denise), John (Stacie) Sokolowski and his daughter Lisa Sokolowski, his 9 grandchildren: Matthew, Emily, Christy, Meghan, Kellie, Sherry, Ryan, Jenna and Brady, his sisters-in-law Jean and Dianne Sokolowski, Mary Jane (Tony) Gradle and Irene Grzegorczyk as well as nieces and nephews. Tony was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard (Theresa), Ronald and Daniel Sokolowski; his brother-in-law, John Grzegorczyk; his special cousin Fr. Edward Krason; a nephew Robert and his niece Debbie. Please visit Tony’s memory page www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guest book. Memorial donations may be made to St. Martin of Tours Building Fund or Wounded Warrior Project. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Heartland Hospice.