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Donna K. Sokol

Donna K. Sokol

KINGSFORD — It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Donna Karen Sokol, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the age of 89, in Kingsford.

Donna was born on Dec. 28, 1934, to the late Clarence and Oda (McLean) Swenson. After graduating high school, Donna moved to Milwaukee to pursue her first job working for an advertising company. It was there in Milwaukee where she met and married Rudy Sokol.

Donna and Rudy settled into the Dickinson County area, where they owned and operated the Tabu Bar in Quinnesec, where she was well known for her fish frys and coleslaw.

Donna was employed by Grede Foundry and later employed as a secretary by the Laborers Union until her retirement. Upon retirement she spent many winters enjoying time with friends in The Villages, Fla., visiting her sister at the Lake of the Ozarks and also took great pride and loved working in her backyard flower garden.

Donna was a devoted, loving, selfless mother who was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, where she loved singing in the choir. She was also a member of the Dickinson County Area Community Chorus for many years. She loved and looked forward to her Thursday lunches with girlfriends and her class luncheons.

Grandma Donna was adored by her grandchildren. Her love and presence in their lives was the cornerstone of their childhood experience and it is something that they all covet to this day. You knew when you walked into her house, there would be a cozy meal in the oven and there would be a puzzle on the table waiting for everyone to work on. The countless memories she intently made with them; they will cherish forever. She always carried that same cheer and joy into the lives of her great-grandchildren, Collins and Teddy.

Donna is survived by her children, Peri Derwinski of Spread Eagle, Wis., (Bob) of Crystal Falls, Todd (Laura) Sokol of Colorado Springs, Colo., Wendy Sokol (Mike Gralen) of Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., and Renae (Dane) Rossato of Loretto; her grandchildren, Alex (Sampson) Fennelly of Whitefish, Mont., Amee (David) Carmody of Kingsford, Stone Rossato of Vulcan and Canyon Rossato of Loretto; two great-grandchildren, Collins Carmody and Teddy Fennelly; her sister, Glenna (Bernie) Galvin; a niece, Darcie; a sister-in-law, Rose Swenson; and nieces, Karin, Barbara, Judy and nephew, Bobby.

Along with her parents, Donna is preceded in death by her brother, Robert Swenson and nephew, Joe Archibald.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain. A short funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Condolences to the family of Donna Karen Sokol may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.