On March 12, 2019, Edward E. Sopher passed away. He was born in Galesburg, Illinois on July 5, 1936 to George and Eleanor. His sister Patsy was born three years later.
Coming from a mining and farming family, Ed learned early to work hard, usually dawn to dusk. He attended a one room grade school in Etherley, Illinois and graduated in 1954 from Rova High School. It was in his senior year, he met and fell in love with Mary A. Holmes. That year was also the start of his mining career when he began working for Little John Coal Mining Company. September 15, 1956, Ed and Mary were married.
In January of 1958, their son, Randy was born, and he started his studies to become a Master Mason. He was raised in April. In September of 1960, their daughter, Teresa was born. They live in Toulon Illinois until 1969 when Ed took an opportunity to transfer to a new mine, Big Sky Mine in Colstrip, Montana. After forty-one hard year he retired in 1996. The proudest accomplishments of his career where his UMWA membership, title dragline operator and the friendships he made with his coworkers.
Ed was very involved in the community and church. He served on the school board, several others and never missed his kids’ games or concerts. He had many hobbies, but trap shooting was his favorite and a true passion. He and Mary traveled to hundred of shoots around the country and had many fun adventures. In 2006, they moved to Brownsville, Texas and Mary still resides there.
He is preceded in death by his parents and son. Missing him and loving him forever are his wife, daughter, grand and great grandchildren, his sister and countless friends.
A service will be held in Colstrip at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Colstrip Trap Club (PO Box 782 Colstrip, MT 59323) or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, Montana.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 PM
Saturday June 22, 2019
United Community Church
382 Water Ave.
Colstrip, Montana 59323
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 PM
Saturday June 22, 2019
United Community Church
382 Water Ave.
Colstrip, Montana 59323
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Duane and Sue Allred says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of loss. We always enjoyed our visits whenever we saw Ed and Mary. You are good people!
Joyce Camper says
Sorry to see that Ed has passed. Ed and his son, Randy were always true gentlemen to me on the shooting range.
Ed always had a smile which now will be missed.
MARILYN BOESE says
MARILYN BOESE
I’M SADDENED TO HEAR OF ED’S PASSING BUT HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF HIM AND MARY IN COLSTRIP.
HE, RICHARD AND ALL THE FORMER COLSTRIPPERS CAN HAVE SOME REAL CATCH UP TIME NOW.
ED WILL JOIN THE HOVE OF ANGELS UP THERE LOOKING OUT FOR US DOWN HERE. HE WAS A SWEET, DEAR MAN
AND A JOY TO HAVE KNOWN. PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY ,ESPECIALLY MARY AND HIS DAUGHTER. GOD BLESS!!
Becky Hanson Stanton says
Mary and family. So sad to hear of Ed’s passing. He was such a good guy. I so enjoyed working with him at the Big Sky Mine and going to church with your family. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Jared Garner says
Great memories with Ed and Mary. Ed’s and his family have been a huge part of younger days. His smile, laughter, stories, and always having time to help me with his wisdom, lol. Thank you my friend and I will see you again.. Our thoughts and prayers to you Mary and family…
Elsie & Bill Schye says
Mary, our hearts go out to you and family. He was a wonderful person. God bless you.
Joanne Schrupp says
So sad to hear of Ed’s passing. Ed & Mary were good “greenbelt” neighbors and we enjoyed visiting across the way! Mary, you are in our prayers, along with the rest of his family. May you be blessed with many happy memories of your life together.
Christy (Strom) Kave says
Mary and Theresa,
So sorry to hear about Ed’s (and Randy’s) passing. My sister Glenda saw it in the Galesburg paper and let me know. We will always remember the wonderful trip out to Colstrip in 1969 with the folks (Mink and Fran). You were great host and it still brings a smile to my face thinking about that family vacation. I hope you have many happy memories also.
Becky & Larry Miller says
Very sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. I have a lot of great memories of Ed, especially in the Snider trailer court days when I’d hang out at the Bateys. Loved it when he’d come over and play the piano. I just have lots of memories of the Sopher family over the years. Sending you hugs Mary and Theresa. God Bless.
Gail Beckham says
Mary and family, I send my love and prayers. May God comfort you and bless you with strength and peace.
Gweorgia Moore says
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU THROUGH THIS SAD TIME. LOTS OF GOOD MEMORIES OF OUR OLD NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS. SINCERE SYMPATHY AND GOD’S STRENGTH TO CARRY YOU ON.
sally barsema says
Uncle Ed was the best. He was a very proud man. Loved to talk about his job at the coal mine. Proud of his trap shooting. He was darn good at them. He could bs with best and his words were colorful. (you all know what I mean by that). He was proud of his kids and grandkids always telling stories about them. But Aunt Mary was his shining star. He is sadly missed