Joe Sokoloski of Circle, Montana passed away of natural caused on February 15, 2016 at Rocky Mountain Care Center in Helena, where he came to join the love of his life, Vonne. Four months after losing her husband, Vonne decided to join him in heaven and left this world on June 23, 2016.
Joe was born March 16, 1925 on the family homestead south of Wibaux, Montana, the eighth of ten children. He was raised and educated in Wibaux and graduated from Wibaux High School in 1943. After graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy.
Vonne was born on February 5, 1922 in Circle and attended school there, graduating from Circle High School in 1940. She attended Beauty School in Miles City and after completing school Vonne moved to Wibaux to begin her career as a Beauty Operator.
Joe returned home on leave where he met Vonne at a dance and that is when the romance began. Joe and Vonne were married in Wibaux, on March 13, 1944. This was the beginning of their 71 years 11 months together.
When Joe was released from the Navy they moved to Circle where Joe became the manager of Midland Lumberyard and Vonne opened her beauty shop. After 32 years of managing the Midland, Joe retired and enjoyed watching his grandchildren in sporting activities. He was best known for making dill pickles and taking them to the Vet’s Club to share with his friends. Vonne stayed active in a ladies bridge club and played cards with a group of friends once a week.
Joe and Vonne are survived by their son, Mike (Vera) of Circle, a daughter, JoLynn FitzSimmons of Helena; seven grandchildren, Marc (Anne), Pete (Debbie), Ryan (Carrie) Sokoloski, Jodi (Jamie) Lingle, Jamie (Bonita), Casey (Alison) FitzSimmons, Heidi (Jarod) Sampson and 15 Great Grandchildren. Joe is also survived by his only sister, Marcella Hixon of Eugene, OR. They were preceded in death by their son-in-law, Gary FitzSimmons, parents and siblings.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Circle. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Circle is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday July 9, 2016
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Circle, Montana 59215
Interment with Full Military Honors
Saturday July 9, 2016
Riverview Cemetery
Circle, Montana 59215
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Denise (Strand) Stambaugh says
Heart felt sympathy goes out to the family. May God comfort you during this hour of trial.
Kathy Schillinger McGowan says
i visited with Vonne a few days before she died. She obviously was weak and thin but always seemed happy to have a short visit. Nice lady.
Claudia A Carlson says
Thinking of you during this time of sorrow. May the memories you have kept permanent in your heart wrap you in comfort and bring you a special peace. Always enjoyed visiting with Joe and Vonnie. Claude & Claudia Carlson
Harvey and Trudy Kirkegard says
Mike and Vera, and JoLynn,
Sending our prayers and condolences in the loss of your parents. They were two great people, and we were so privileged to know them when we were growing up in Circle. Vonne used to cut my hair when I was a little girl. Harvey had great respect for Joe as a friend and VFW comrade! God’s blessing to you all.
Patsy & Harvey Kuntz says
Joe & Vonne were great people , when I was around them they always treated me like family . We will miss them. Prayers for all .
Sheri and Larry Schmidt says
So sorry for your loss. I have such great memories of Joe and Vonne, they were some of the best and will be missed.
John & Nancy Kleinsasser says
We have so many fond memories of these two wonderful people! They truly are a perfect example of what devotion to family and each other should be. I can still hear Joe laughing with the guys, and see Vonne giving me back a pan if I didn’t get it washed just right after Thanksgiving dinner. Love to you all.
Larry Bruce says
Joe and Vonne simply enriched the lives of everyone who knew them. My Mom once told me that the greatest riches we could hope to accumulate in life was found in family and friends. Joe and Vonne were rare treasures.
Judy Hawkinson Fuchs says
Joe and Vonne were a special Circle couple and will be missed by the community. My sympathy to their family at this sad time.
Mel & Kathy Sampson says
Mike, JoLynn and family,
I just read in the paper that your folks had passed away. It was always so nice to visit with them, although it’s been several years since I last seen them. I had such a nice visit with your mom at Heidi and Jarod’s wedding. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this very difficult time.
Marilyn (Idland) Krause says
I have fond memories of your parents as I was growing up in Circle. They were a class act! I know you will miss them.
Mark Van Fleet says
That is a wonderful life story.
Diane (Shamley) Ligon says
So sorry to read about your folks. What a wonderful life they had together and a wonderful family to be so proud of. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bud and Phyllis Kaul of Scobey says
We did not realize that Joe had passed away in Feb and now Vonne. Our sympathy goes out to the whole family. We spent times at the Kleppelids (Dony and Doris) and got to visit with Joe and Vonne. They were such nice people. Be proud to be their family.
Rick & Dee Abbott says
Ryan and family: So sad to learn of the loss of your parents. We pray that God’s love, peace and comforts enfolds you.
Jeanne Kleppelid Shipstead says
Hope to have time to visit with you Saturday. So sorry about your loss.
Jere and Alexina Sullivan says
JOE WAS A GREAT FRIEND TO ME AND ALEXINA, ONE OF THE FIRST PLACES I HEADED TO WHEN WE GOT TO CIRCLE WAS THE LUMBER YARD AND DRIVE THROUGH THE BUILDING TOOTING MY HORN. KIDS LOVED IT TOO
VONNE AND I HAD LOTS OF FUN AT THE VETS DANCES IN 50 51 52
GOD BLESS THEM BOTH ,
MAY THE BOTH REST IN PEACE
JERE AND ALEXINA SULLIVAN OF SPOKANE
Tom and Rose Sampson says
Prayers are with the family. Joe and Vonnie were very special people. Visited with them at Jarod and Heidi wedding. May they rest in peace.
Jana & Flint Hance says
Thoughts and prayers to your family. Joe and Vonne were very nice folks. May your memories and the kind words of others ease the pain in your hearts.
Robert Beason says
To Mike, Jolynn and their families…..Sad that your folks are now gone. You all, them included, were appreciated neighbors of mine, just a few steps across the street from the boyhood home I grew up in. My thoughts go out to all!