Joseph J. Socha

Joseph J. Socha 73, formerly of Edgar, passed away peacefully Friday December 19, 2008 at the Continental Manor, Abbottsford. He was born September 15, 1935 in town of Rietbrock, son of the late Frank and Lucy (Nowicki) Socha. When he came home from the service he took over the family farm. He married Betty Daniels 46 years ago at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Together they raised seven children, Barb (Al) Wirkus, Mike (Donna) Socha, Joan (Rick) Steele, Pat (Michelle) Socha, Bob (Julie) Socha, Bonnie (Matt)Hinze and Suzy (Mark) Schalow. Joe is further survived by 13 grandchildren, Katie, Kelly, Danny, Andy, Maggie, Jackson, Serena, Erica, Ryan, Aaron, Samantha, Jacob and Hailey; one brother, Larry (Jen) Socha and seven sisters, Leona (Len) Westphal, Regina (Ray) Suchorski, Elmira Greiner, Joan (Jim) Seagraves, Mary Ann Guilonard, Lorraine (Bill) Flasch and Rose Ann Johnson. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Edmund; one sister, Margaret and a granddaughter, Abigail. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2008 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. The Rev. Charles Hiebl will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 3 - 6 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a 5 p.m. rosary service Sunday at the funeral home. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Continental Manor in Abbotsford for their loving care given to Joe. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com