Daniel Sobczak Obituary

16 years are about to have passed since the day you left us heartbroken.
Then Brian joined you 8.5 years ago, you know how that devastated me. So when Mom finally joined you - it gave me peace knowing you are Both Together Again.
So many things have changed here. The family grown from the original "9 Ds" and is still growing as the result of the love you and Mom shared.
I know you are watching over us. My special request is a little more watching over Lauren and Karlyn as these 2 are going thru some serious health issues, along with all the others needing the help.
Every one of your grandchildren are making you proud, no doubt. I have the best nieces and nephews! And we try hard to keep the memories of you, Mom and Brian alive. Never forgotten...
Danielle

Dad,

I can't believe it's been a year. I miss you so much. Please continue to watch over your little Kaitlyn and her new sister Bridget. They are both going to know Grandpa Dan as if you were still here through the wonderful stories and memories we will share with them. We will continue to provide Mom with the care and love she needs but she misses you so much so please continue to watch over her as we know she will always be your #1.

Love,
Dayna, Pat, Kaitlyn and Bridget

As we approach the end of the first year of our loss - We would like to thank those that have shown us all the support and love possible. Please continue to remember us in your thoughts and prayers - especially our Mom.

Dan - you will never be forgotten.

Love, Your family

Happy Thanksgiving Dad

LOVE YOU!

Happy Veterans' Day Dad!
Thanks for what you did for your country!

Love you!

Happy Halloween Dad!

We miss you!
Love always~

Happy belated birthday Grandpa! I hope you got all of our balloons. We love and miss you so much!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAN, DAD, GRANDPA, GREAT-GRANDPA
LOVE & KISSES XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Rose

Danielle (Brian), Dale (John), Dan, Dennis (Phyllis), Dawn (John), Dina (Burt), Derek (Nancy), Dona (Don), Dayna (Pat)

Kristin (Alfonso), Nicole, Rick, Ryan, Brad, Tim, Ashley, Brian, Karlyn, Lauren, DJ, Jake, Matt, Brett, Luke, Sammy, Steven, Robby, Kaitlyn, Baby Berkery

Enzo & Ella

Your family has been on my mind for the past couple weeks, just wanted to let you all know I'm thinking about you and Happy belated Birthday Aunt Rose!
Love you, Cindy

Today is Mom's birthday. This is a hard one for us because we know she is having a rough day - and I know it is still going to get even harder for her and the rest of us. Dad, we are watching "Your chick" and we know you are too.
Tomorrow I will be thinking about being in your arms and dancing to "Daddy's Little Girl." We love you and miss you!

To The Sobczak Family:

It is hard to put into words how much fun us Watters had with your dad, I can remember him coming home from work and we'd all be playing outside even though he'd be tired from working all day he'd still have enough energy to do stuff with us kids. If someone was picking on us he always knew how to cheer us up.
You will always have the wonderful memories in your hearts to carry you through the happy times, and the sad times. Remember to always talk to your dad he is listening, and he is watching over all of you, and he is with all of you.
God Bless all of you.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Two months since Uncle Dan's passing and what've I learned--only that waiting to find the right words to say to you, dear Aunt Rose and cousins, has been long and fruitless. I love you all so much and wish I could take away your pain, but when a man is loved as much as he, it doesn't make sense that there wouldn't be a lot of pain.

Uncle Dan, so many memories. . . thanks for coming so often to the small house where I grew up to make that basement a place where I could bring my friends. Thanks for the year when I was 4 and you and Aunt Rose decorated our apartment while my parents took me and David out. When we got home, you told us that Santa had just left. I was so excited. (I remember that you had to duck in the doorways of that low-ceilinged place.) Thanks for the time that you showed up at Halloween dressed in a pink tutu with breasts, a wig, and all. My macho uncle having the nerve to do this was so, so funny. Thanks for always smiling whenever I saw you and for wrapping your arms around me with your words of "Hi, Nini." (I thought I had "grown out of" that name by the time I was in high school. I realized you began to use it after my parents died. You know it would make me feel close to them. It did.)

I don't remember you ever saying a negative word about the family and I never heard a negative word said about you. That alone is quite a legacy. On top of that, you left a line of descendants that would make anyone exceptionally proud.

You're a wonderful example of marriage for us all. It's said that the greatest gift a man can give to his children is loving their mother. You did that in an extraordinary way (not to mention that Aunt Rose is a very easy person to love! You are such an awesome pair!)

Family, I know how hard this is for you. No one can or should tell you to "snap out of it," but in your darkest times, please put yourself in your dad's place. You know he's pulling for you to be happy.

Love always, Denise

Dear Rose and the Sobczak Family,

Words can not express the loss you all are feeling. The feeling of emptiness and a heavy heart are, at times, overwhelming. Stay close to each other, enjoy every moment you're all together and keep your mom busy. Talk to your Dad out loud, he's listening. Keep his memory alive by telling his stories, his "catchy" phrases and his jokes. Never let the younger grandchildren forget a man that truly exemplified the love of family. Every breeze that gently touches your face, the rainbows that appear, brightening a dreary day, a butterfly fluttering about closely...that is him, letting you know he's still around and everything is going to be alright. Keep watch over his hibiscus....its sure to be in full bloom this year!!
As a child I remember seeing "Bambi" in the Sobczak backyard, living next door to a "celebrity",(its not everyday that you know a man that had a hand in building a well known structure like the Sears Tower) and living next door to the big brown house with 9 kids!! Cuddle up to a bowl of "Mom's soup", and reminisce about your Dad.
Love,
Joanie (Toth) Kurowski, Ken, Kaitlyn, Caleb, Jacob and Jeremy

Thank you from my mom for bringing in the cans on Monday and for keeping a watchful eye on my parents house after my Dad passed. It's a comfort and very much appreciated. Thank you.

To the entire Sobczak family especially Rose. Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy for your loss, our loss. 88th Street will not be the same without Dan Sr.. My mother lost a dear friend-neighbor. We can relate to your initial sadness and eventual joy knowing Dan is in his spiritual resting place. As you know not so long ago we lost Willie. The two shall meet once again in heaven and be able to talk endlessly of the bygone days. Dan and Willie have alot to catch up on.
The childhood memories are many and meaningful. After all, those that have touched our lives had influence over who we are today. Ahh, those were the days...
Onward, we still have much to do.
Blessings to all.
Love,
Jon Toth, Cindy, Courtney and Chase

Dear Aunt Rose and all my loving cousins and family,
I wanted to express my sympathies to you all and also to acknowledge my own sadness in Uncle's passing. I have often recanted to a number of my fishing buddies how Uncle Dan, Uncle Al and my dad first placed a fishing pole in my hands when I was just a squirt of maybe 5 years old. They brought me to a trout farm so stocked you could practically reach in and grab one, just to make sure of my success. After what seemed like hours of teaching me the art of casting, I finally got the hook, complete with worm, into the water. What a thrill when the bobber bounced and even more so with my first "catch".
I also fondly remember tagging along behind these three with rifles at the ready hunting pheasant.
The gift of their company and learning to appreciate nature in the special way they did is something I will always cherish. I have also passed along this gift to my three daughters in much the same way, with a fishing pole in their hands.
In my adult life I have had to relocate and, even though I was hundreds of miles away, I want you all to know how much you were missed and how good it was to see you all.
I love you all and will miss Uncle in a very special way. He was, as all of you have already said, a very loving, caring man and I am privileged to say he passed on some of it to me, too.
God bless you all!

To my family,
As the days go by and the day-to-day tasks return I have mixed feelings. Mom, I know your day-to-day has changed forever and if we can help or ease your pain in any way please let us know how.
My moments of disbelief are disappearing as I'm beginning to really realize that I can no longer talk with dad, hug him or laugh with him as I used to. The moments of panic are subsiding as well when I think, What will I do without him? A calm starts to creep in and it tells me, you will do what he taught you and what he showed you in the way he lived his life. Dad had many strengths and I believe that he will let us pull on his strengths to do what we need to, to smile again, to laugh, to get out of bed when we feel we can't and to live our lives the way he would want us to. We lost a great man but were blessed to have had him in our lives. May we always feel his love and never forget his great sense of humor.
Love, Dina

Our Dad
Always Loving, Giving, Sharing and Caring
Strong, Helpful, Grateful and Proud

Dad you're everything a dad should be and more
We Love You just for being you!

P.S. I know you weren't thrilled 26 years ago when I told you I had picked out a baby blue tuxedo for you to wear but you wore it Proudly for me when you presented me in marriage to John. THANK YOU!!!

All Our Love,
John, Dawn, Kristin, Alfonso, Rick, Brad and Enzo

Dear Aunt Rose,Danielle,Dale,Dennis,Danny,DawnDina,Derek,Dona, and Dayna I am sorry for your loss, but rejoice in knowing he is with our loving Lord with no more pain and suffering. I know you are a very strong family with so much love and support for one another, I pray every day gets a little easier for each of you. Uncle Dan was special to me as my Godfather and I remember him and Auntie Rose celebrating in my birthdays and milestones. I'm proud to tell people that my dad and uncle built the Sears tower, and how they were in the antennas. I'm grateful for the times we spent at your house for celebrations, my sisters and I had fun cuz there we're just so many of you, (and no one knew what Dayna and I would be doing). My prayers and thoughts are with you all and your families, maybe I'll get to meet every one eventually, I'm sorry I didn't make the service. Love and God's blessings, Cindy

Aunt Rose, Danielle, Dale, Danny, Dennis, Dawn, Dina, Derek, Dona, & Dayna,
I'm am heartbroken that we were out of town and unable to attend the services for Uncle Dan. The amount of support you all provided me when I lost my Mom was unmeasureable and I am so sorry I could not be there to support all of you in return. I will always remember Uncle Dan's smile and strong presence. He was truly a "gentle giant".
With sympathy & love,
Mary & John Duckworth

Dad,
As a few days have gone by from the hardest loss I have suffered I just keep in mind that you are no longer suffering. I know you are now looking down upon us telling us to stop crying and I pray each day gets easier. There is absolutely no way to measure the man you were but for us to try and be as close to the hero you will always be in my eyes and in many other's eyes. I miss you so much already but will share the stories of a wonderful man with Kaitlyn and any others to be born. Pat and I thank you and Mom so much for being there the day she was born. Most importantly thank you for being the best Dad and husband to Mom as she will continue to be loved and taken care of by all. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

GRANDPA

You created a Family
That is one of a kind
We have so much love and care
That is what I’ve come to find.

I miss you very much
But I know you’re in a better place.
In my heart something is missing
And that’s something I’ll have to face.

You lit the light to my future,
And opened up my eyes.
I wish we didn’t have
To say our good-byes.

We’ll think of you often,
And love you forever.
I know sometime in the future,
We’ll once again be together.



I’ll always be smiling for you!

Love always and forever,
Lauren

Dad~
"If Love could have saved you - you would have lived forever."

Daniel Raymond Theodore Sobczak, Sr. born September 24, 1931. Also known as Dan or "Senior".

Dan showed his amazing strength and courage not only in his fight against cancer but also as he served our country in the Korean War. In the War he was "on point"; ahead of the front line. He beat the odds in Korea and came home.
Dad was best friends with Uncle Bob "Cueball" as he called him who happened to be our mom's brother. So you know how that is - when older brother brings home handsome buddy! And that is where it begins - October 16, 1954. Husband and Best Friend to the love of his life whom he lovingly referred to as "Fat".
When celebrating the life of this great man - you can not do so without including our mom - his "chick". We don't know where the line is separating these two. Two unselfish people who gave up alot for FAMILY. Two people who exemplify the true meaning to the quote: The best thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother.
They had one child, Danielle then came Dale - but we weren't complete - dad needed a son-so there came Danny and Dennis - 2 sons at the same time - one for each Danielle and Dale to fight with - broken windows,holes in walls and doors (we needed to keep Dad busy) but someday the 2 girls would mature and along came Dawn and then Dina to continue with wrestling matches in the basement. Then there were 6...the rides in the car as people counted us and we would tell them not to miss the ones on the bumper...dad worked hard for get us those station wagons - with the seats facing the rear or with the two seats in the back facing each other or the real fancy one with wood grain sides. Nope, 6 kids would not satisy them - so then came Derek (aka Duke or Minnow). But he needed a sister to be friends with so along came Dona. Years later after Danielle got married and had to be replaced came Dayna.
When you enter their home built with his own hands in 1959 - you won't see fancy artwork or lavish furnishings, instead you will see rooms full of knick knacks, hand drawn artwork created by the children or grandchildren and they can tell you who made each and every piece.
We were the biggest family on the block but we had it all from a swimming pool to the first colored TV. All the neighbor kids came over and we watched the Wizard of Oz for the first time in color. When Mom asked Dad for a swing with a canopy he built her a swing inside "Little Bit o`Rose's - a screen house complete with windows -storm windows, screens, electricity - propane heat. Which was later completed with a garden of rose bushes.
Every Sunday after 11:15 mass at St. Gerald's we'd pile into that fancy station wagon and the parking lot chaos would start. Dad would turn on his Polish station and start "cussin and tapping his fingers on the dash board" while Mom would say "Dan you just got out of Church". Mom was always thankful of dad for allowing her to be a stay at home mom so that she never had to go out in the cold.
Dad took great pride in his job - all the years of hard work, he only took off about 2 weeks total until he got paid vacation time. When he worked for the company that built Oak Brook shopping center - we took road trips to watch the progress. His career took him to great heights - him and Uncle Al carved their initials on the top of the Sears tower when putting up the antennas. Trips to the "Caramel Corn Place" somewhere under the El - downtown-he wouldn't park the car - he would drop off 2 of us to go inside while he circled the block. Dad's love for fishing holds a lot of memories. Dad had his "Secret" fishing places. He would take the grandchildren - but they had to be blindfolded on the way there (so it remained "secret"). Can you imagine what would have happened had he gotten stopped by the police? Him in the car with blindfolded kids.
Jellystone Park in Amboy - sitting around the campfire. Sweet corn, making ham on the grill, the tree stump with everyones name on it that visited. Dad told lots of stories and the guys loved the stories after the women went to bed.
Dad sounded like a tough guy with some of his favorite sayings: We're not the Rockefellers -turn the darn lights off, You want a flock of five, Stop crying or I'll give you something to cry about. But we could see thru to his big heart.
He had us believing anything and everything you need could be found on "Crawford Avenue". Our special dinners were "Nick & Vito's" but we graduated to Traverso's.
Dad to Danielle, Dale, Danny, Dennis, Dawn, Dina, Derek, Dona and Dayna. Father-in-law to Brian, John (commonly known as Foley), Phyllis, John (or Kehoe), Burt, Nancy, Don and Pat. Grandfather to Kristin, Alfonso, Nicole, Rick, Ryan, Brad, Tim, Ashley, B2, Karlyn, Lauren, DJ, Jake, Matt, Brett, Luke, Sammy, Steven, Robby and Kaitlyn. Great Grandpa of Enzo. So this is the story of his life - summed up in one word - FAMILY.
Rest in peace, Daddy.

I don't ever remember seeing Uncle Dan without a smile on his face. My fondest memory was when him and his brother Al were refurbing my Mom and Dads house. I decided to build a go-cart with their scraps. Uncle Dan took time out of his busy day to build a cart for a bratty kid like me and seemed to enjoy every minute of it. He seemed larger than life. Go with God Uncle Danny.

Our heartfelt condolences on Dan's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Grandpa,

I just wanted to say thank you for being such a great man. Thank you for being Kristin's Grandpa and making such a difference in her life. Thank you for helping to mold Dawn into a fantastic new grandmother. Thank you for each and every one of your children who all are truly amazing and kind people. Thank you for being a model husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

You will always be in our hearts, dreams, and prayers,

Alfonso

My memories of Uncle Dan take me back to Christmas parties and summer swim parties at the Sobczak house. Uncle Dan was always smiling and I would try to be near him when the conversation among the Bembenek uncles got going because Uncle Dan would always say something really funny that not everyone would hear. He had a great sense of humor with comedic timing. As a small kid I remember Uncle Dan being as big as a bear but always a gentleman. Rest in peace Uncle Dan, you made a lasting impression on many.

My dad was fortunate to have Uncle Dan not only as a brother-in-law but also as a childhood friend. My dad would tell me stories of their neighborhood baseball team, the "Bee's". Uncle Dan was their firstbaseman. Then my dad was in the Korean War and told me stories of Uncle Dan's visits with him there. I enjoyed going to Uncle Dan and Aunt Rose's house growing up, not only because they had a pool but because of all their kids. I never seen him get angry at anybody but then again he had a presence you respected and you wouldn't want to see him get angry.
You will be missed and always remembered.
I am proud to have my youngest son, Danny, named after you.
Bobby

I regret that I will not be able to get to Chicago for Dan's wake and funeral. You have my sympathy and I will be praying for you all.
Nancy's Aunt Eileen

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Sobzcak family. Mr. Sobczak will always be remembered by so many people. He was a quiet man, who stood tall in so many ways and had a great sense of humor. I am sure he considered himself a very "rich" man becuase he was so loved by so many.

Your family is amazing and he can surely be proud of each and every one of you!

Our hearts are heavy for the pain of your loss and what you are going through, but please remember, he is not forgotten.

"Do not stand at my grave
and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the
morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines
at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.

All our love,
Lori & Bob Chesna

To my dad, the strongest man in the world. You have built us the strongest foundation to grow upon. You've always showed us that with the love and support of family we can overcome anything both mentally and physically.You will always be in my heart which is breaking right now, but as you have always done,I know you will help to fix that,you have my key!Thank you for a wounderful life, and don't worry about your "chick", she'll be very well taken care of as I promised you. Our love for you is endless--John, Dale, Ryan and Tim

Wow, where do I start. I have 48 years of memories. First to the entire Sobczak family, I love you tons and I embrace your strength to get through your grief cuz I know just how hard it is. Dan will forever be with you, just call his name and he'll be by your side. I thank God that he brought us this wonderful family. Please don't ever stop telling his stories to each other and especially to the youngest Enzo. Thank You Dan for being such a wonderful Neighbor, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother & Brother in Law, etc,etc,etc. May God wrap his arms around you and bring you to his golden city. When you see a Butterfly remember him. While we are here on Earth, we are catapillars, when we pass we come out of our cacoons as Beautiful Butterflies!
Hugs & Kisses

Grandpa, words can't even begin to explain how much I love you. As much as I miss you, it makes me feel better to know that you're no longer in pain. Thank you so much for all you've done. You were such an amazing man and you truly are my hero. I love you so much, Grandpa. You'll always be in my heart.

Love, Karlyn <3

I will always remember Mr Sobczak as a kind and fun man. He always made me feel like one of the gang over at the Sobczak house! The loss is great (I know), but he will be watching over all of you and guiding you as he always has. God bless you Mrs Sobczak and all of the family and my dear friend Dale.

For a man I only knew through the beautiful daughter he raised, rest in Peace.
Dale, I love you, always celebrate his life and cherish all the fond memories, try not to be sad, his job here on earth is done, it is us suffering now, not your Daddy.
I love ya, kiddo!

This Is for You, Dad
For the father I love.
For the one who has heped me through all my childhood fears and failures.
For the man who is a wonderful example of what more men should be.
I respect, admire and love you.
You're the best father any child ever had.
Always and Forever,
Dawn

I have many fond memories growing up of Mr. Sobczak. He was always so sweet to Jamie and I. One was teaching Jamie and I both to swim. I will always remember him as a gracious and beautiful person.