Passed away Monday, Jan. 23, 2012 at Select Specialty Hospital in Saginaw, following a brief illness, at the age of 82. He was born Nov. 29, 1929 on the family farm in Wells Township, the son of the late George and Josephine (Barniski) Sokol and was a lifelong area resident. John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1953. He was united in marriage with the former Barbara E. Maziarz on Sept. 28, 1957 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Saginaw. She preceded him in death on Feb. 20, 2008. John worked as a millwright at Grede Foundry in Vassar for 27 years, retiring in 1992. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro, Caro Knights of Columbus Council #3224 and Holy Trinity 4th Degree and Caro VFW Post #4164. John farmed all his life and fondly referred to it as his hobby. He was especially fond of his collection of tractors. John is survived by five children and their spouses, George and Diane Sokol of Caro and Sterling Heights, Katherine and Peter Romain of Caro, Valerie Mrak of New York City, Steven and Kay Sokol of Gaithersburg, MD and Lynette and John Kukowski of Phoenix, AZ; seven grandchildren, Mark and Marnie Romain, Natalie Mrak, Sarah Sokol, Maxwell, Josephine and Barbara Kukowski and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters, Chester, Edward and Stanley Sokol, Julia Brady and Helen Kulpeksza. Funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro with military honors provided by Caro VFW Post #4164 and the U.S. Army. Visitation will be held at Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Thursday from 3-8 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. In keeping with John’s wishes, cremation will follow the service. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro. Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com.