Gerald F. Sobolik

Deacon Gerald F. "Bud" Sobolik, age 86 of Park River, ND passed away Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at the Park River Good Samaritan Center. Gerald Francis Sobolik was born December 14, 1925 in Ops Twp, Walsh County, ND, the son of the late John Charles and Clara (Karnik) Sobolik. He attended schools at Veseleyville and Fee District #33 and high schools at Park River and Minto, ND. Bud joined the U.S. Navy on January 1944 during World War II. He served with the hospital corps and was on Guadalcanal and Guam. He was honorably discharged in January, 1946. He studied drafting and estimating at the State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, 1947-48. In June, 1948 he began work at Froelich-Schultz Lumber in Carrington, ND. He was united in marriage to Shirley Louise Remillard on June 14, 1949 at St. Augustine Church, Fessenden, ND. They adopted three children: James Gerald, Jean Mary and Fred Michael. Then Carol Ann was born to them. In May, 1962 the family moved to Park River, where Gerald and a cousin Clement Houdek, purchased the Fursteneaux Lumber Co. They renamed it Park River Lumber, Inc. Clem remained with the business until July, 1977. Other business ventures included ownership in Park River Enterprises, Inc. and S.K.M. Cable TV in Park River. He was also a partner in Valley Cable TV for a time. In 1978 he started a new store in Grafton, calling it Grafton Decorating Center. He was named Retail Lumber Dealer of the Year 1980 by the ND Lumberman's Association. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Park River, ND. On December 11, 1993 he was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Fargo. Bud was active in community affairs. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #5055, Hillcrest Country Club, Hospice, Valley Czech Singers, and he served on the Board of Northwest Lumberman's Association. Bud played baseball for many years, beginning with Conway Rinky-Dinks, Inkster Junior Legion and Independent teams at Veseleyville and Carrington. Bud is survived by his wife Shirley; their four children: James Sobolik, Park River and Grand Forks, ND; Fred (Joyce) Sobolik and their daughters Nicole Sobolik and Kiristy Kruger, Park River, ND; Jean Sobolik, Boulder, CO; Carol Sobolik, Boulder, CO; two brothers: John Sobolik, Park River, ND; Clair (Grace) Sobolik, Grand Rapids, MN; sister Sylvia Spellman, Littleton, CO. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Lynus, brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Park River. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery, Park River. Military Rites will be provided by the Paul Farup American Legion Post #147 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.