Robert "Bob" Sokol

Robert John Sokol, age 88, of Rochester, MN was called to his heavenly home on February 13, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer. He was surrounded in the love of family and friends.

Bob was born May 27, 1935 to parents Milo and Lillian (Cecak) Sokol in Vining, Iowa. He was one of three boys in the family. He graduated from Norway High School in 1952 and went on to attend Iowa State University, graduating in 1956 with a degree in chemical engineering. He worked for Magnovox, Collins Radio, and PolyScientific, before taking a job with IBM in Rochester, MN, where he retired with 32 years of service, in 2000.

Bob was a very caring and generous person to all he knew. He made you feel safe and would help you with any sort of issue you might have. It was like having the safety net of a parent, along with unconditional love.

He loved road trips with friends, heading to nowhere, in particular, just enjoying the company and the sites. Trips were always accompanied with a meal along the way. If you were new to town, he made sure to show you all the special points of interest. He also enjoyed attending high school musicals, usually front and center, with a perpetual smile on his face.

Bob is survived by his son Tim (Connie) Sokol of Rochester. Grandchildren include Justin (Kristina) Sokol, Jacob (Jamie) Sokol, Nicole Hendricks, and Jimmy Hendricks. Great Grandchildren include Cooper, Kendall, Cameron, Mya, Nash, and Brookston. He also leaves behind very special friends Sandy Gould, and Greg and Diane Eichten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Lillian, his brothers, Kenneth and Roger, his daughter Tina Hendricks, and longtime partner Sharron Smith.

Bob had a very strong faith and loved his church family. He shared his love of Christ by improving the lives of others while generously sharing his time and treasures.

A Celebration of his life will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at Christ Our Rock Lutheran Church 3040 Stonehedge Dr, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. There will be a lunch served at the church after the service. Interment will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Rochester, MN.

Family and friends wish to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to the loving hands that cared for Bob at Samaritan Bethany and Seasons Hospice.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Sokol family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com