Gary Alan “Soupy” Sopko, 71, of Streator passed away Monday, June 19, 2017 at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Care, Streator.
At Soups request, a gathering of friends and family will be held on Saturday, July 1st, 2017 from 1:30-4:30 P.M. at the Broadway Pub in Streator. Melanie will honor her father’s memory at 2:30. You are encouraged to share your memories and stories of Soup’s life throughout.
Burial will be held at a later date at St. Stephens Cemetery, Streator. Full Military Rites will be accorded at this time.
Born May 30, 1946 in Streator he was the son of George “Ducky” and Beatrice (Wahl) Sopko. He was formerly married to Sally Mayfield on August 23, 1969 at St. Stephen’s Church. She survives.
He is also survived by his love Nancy O., of Streator, a daughter, Melanie (Alex Glisson) Sopko of Streator; granddaughters, Vara Jo Glisson, Jessica (Cody) Higginbotham and Ava Glisson all of Streator; sisters, Gayle (Mike) Overocker of Ancona and G.G. (Ron) Schneider of Streator; a brother, Ron (Linda) Sopko of Worland, Wyoming and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin Kudrick and former in-laws, Varland and Joanna Mayfield.
Born and raised in Streator he attended and graduated from St. Stephens and Streator High School.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, he was a Sergeant in the United States Army’s, Big Red One, from 1965 to 1967 in Vietnam.
He worked as a carpenter for many years having worked for Jack Leonard, Arzee, and Zurlinden Brothers Construction throughout the years. He retired September 28, 2001. Earlier in his life he worked as a Prudential Insurance Agent and at Anthony Company.
He lived in Streator his lifetime. He was formerly a member of St. Stephen’s Church, Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post 217, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492, Streator Eagles Club and Lazy Acres.
Memorials may be directed to the Streator River Rescue Fund and Heritage Health.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com
To send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Sopko, please visit our flower store.
Services are to be announced
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
801 Lundy St
Streator, IL 61364
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