Donald Lawrence Sodini, age 80, passed away on December 4th at the Veterans Administration home in King, WI, surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born on May 21, 1933 in Chicago, IL to John Charles and Gretta Mabel Sodini. Don was the oldest of 5 children, Marion Joyce Caroline (Deceased), Joan Marilyn (Claremont, CA), Beverly Jean (Deceased) and John Charles Jr. (Deceased).
He attended Leo High School (Chicago, IL) and graduated from Athens High School (Athens, WI) in 1951. Upon graduating, Don joined the Marine Corps and served courageously during the Korean War until his Honorable Discharge in 1953. Don returned to Merrill and on Juyl 3rd, 1954 married the only love of his life, Joan Bloomquist. He and Joan would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in a few short months. Together they raised 6 children; Vicky (Bill) Davis (Merrill, WI), Renee (Marty) Greenhill (Dover, TN), John (Natalie) Sodini (St. Louis, MO), Jay (Leandria) Sodini (St. Louis, MO), Michelle Sodini (Chicago, IL) and Michael (Laura) Sodini (Chicago, IL). He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. After completing his apprenticeship, Don worked for many years as a steamfitter. In 1970, he accepted a construction manager’s position with Zimpro, Inc. (Rothschild, WI), overseeing installation of many multi-million dollar wastewater treatment facilities located throughout the US and Internationally. Britain, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Key West FL, St. Louis MO and Anchorage AK are only a few of the many stops Don and Joan shared together throughout his career. On extended trips Don would bring their 17-foot boat the “Joanie Girl” with them. Don Patterson (VP Operations-Zimpro) said, “There were three strong tenets to Don’s success. First, very experienced with Zimpro (and other companies) technology. Second, he would execute a job well done and at the lowest cost without sacrificing quality. Third, a strong commitment to the customers.” After 30 years of service Don retired in 1999 and spent much of his time with Joan, family and friends enjoying “life on the lake”. It was the simple things that he never took for granted, commenting daily on “how fortunate and thankful he was”. Don was absolutely devoted to his wife Joan, who he supported, respected and loved unconditionally. Don was a man of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love that beauty and peace would await him after his passing. Don lived his life under the Marine Corp mantra, once a marine…always a marine!
On behalf of the entire Sodini Family we would like to thank the entire staff at the VA-King, WI. Not only was the medical care tremendous, the compassionate care was more than we could have hoped for. A Memorial Service celebrating Don’s life will be held at a later date. The Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com