William "Bill" M. Sobyra Jr., 83, of Cook, MN passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023.

Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois on April, 15, 1940 to William Sr and Stella (Bernal) Sobyra. Bill grew up and attended school in Chicago; graduating Elgin High School in 1958. His first big job was with a federal life insurance company where he worked in printing. He would come up to Minnesota for summer vacations and that is where he met the love of his life in 1963. Bill and Karen went fishing and got stuck on the boat together. Knowing that Bill can't swim, Karen would rock the boat. They wrote letters back and forth which led to Bill proposing that Christmas. They were united in marriage on January 2, 1965. After they married, they lived in Glendale Heights where he became the manager for Practical Offset Printing Company. In 1974, they moved to Cook with their 3 children. He had worked for a construction company and was proud to help build the Hibbing Hospital where all of his grandchildren were born. He also helped build the Cook Homestead and later Potlatch where he was hired and later retired from as a press operator.

Bill was an avid bowler, golfer and sports enthusiast. If there was a game on, he was always watching. Especially when it came to the White Sox, Cubs, and Twins. His grandkids grew up with sarcastic threats. If you asked him for anything, he would jokingly say, "It will cost you $2." He was proud of all his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. Going to all their games, school events, and extracurricular activities. He will be loved and greatly missed.

Bill was preceded in death by his son Master Sergeant Frank M. Sobyra; parents: William and Stella Sobyra; and brothers: Stanley Sobyra and Raymond Sobyra.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Karen Sobyra; son William (Sherri) Sobyra; daughter Julie (Peter) Schelde; grandchildren: Alicia Witte, Astion (Cierra Morris) Schelde, William (Caleesha) Sobyra IV, Courtney (Zack) Zeig, Mikaela Schelde, Bridget Schelde, and Cheyenne Schelde; great-grandchildren: Oliver Schelde, Rhett Zeig, Parker Klimek and one great-grandchild on the way; sister Delores Sobyra; bonus son Torben (Susanne) Bruun; and bonus grandchildren Anne Kathrine and Frederick; and numerous nieces, nephews and other beloved family members.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 11:00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences to www.mlakerfuneralhome.com