Donald M. Sohacki

August 12, 1939 - December 21, 2021

service

A celebration of Donald’s life will be held at Kish Funeral Home on a later date.

Donald M. Sohacki was born August 12, 1939 in East Chicago, IN and passed away at his farm in Lake Village, IN on December 21, 2021 at the age of 82. Donald is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia Sohacki; brother, Kenneth Sohacki; children: Karen (Daniel) Teitsort, Nanette Sohacki, and Michael Sohacki; and four grandchildren: Jarod, Noah, Sarah, and Abby. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Jean (Wojcik) Sohacki.

Donald was a resident of Munster, IN for 57 years. He grew up in East Chicago, where he attended Saint Stanislaus grade school. During his high school years at Saint Bonaventure Prep, Minor Seminary and High School in Sturtevant, WI, he played varsity basketball and baseball before graduating in 1957. Donald married Patricia Poore on June 2, 1962; after which, they moved to Indiana University in Bloomington, where he achieved a B.S. and M.S. in Education. Later, he completed an Administrative Certification from Loyola University. His career in education began as a teacher at Ernie Pyle Elementary School in Gary, IN. From there, he taught at Hammond Lafayette Elementary/Middle School and was awarded Teacher of the Year. In 1970, he was appointed principal at Columbia/Riverside Elementary Schools. Donald later returned to Lafayette

Elementary School as principal. During this time, he was also director of the Hammond Head Start Program. He transitioned to Hammond School City Assistant Superintendent of Personnel in 1987 and served there until retiring in 2005. During his lifetime, he coached different levels of softball, baseball, and football teams, including the Munster A League Mets and Babe Ruth Tigers. He was an avid golfer, spending time with his friends at Scherwood golf course. On many occasions, he enjoyed sharing memories of earlier time spent with his buddies from Club Coloma in East Chicago.

The Sohacki farm was especially important to Donald and provided him, along with family and friends, many happy gatherings. A celebration of Donald’s life will be held at Kish Funeral Home on a later date.

A celebration of Donald’s life will be held at Kish Funeral Home on a later date.

What to Say?See Condolences

My deepest condolences to the family. May you find comfort in the memories of him and may God's Peace be yours during this very difficult time.

Sending prayers of strength, understanding and peace during this difficult time. Mr Sohacki touched many lives he will be missed

Mr. Sohacki was my principal at Lafayette School. I enjoyed working with him. My condolences to his family.

I had the privilege of working with Don for 20 years as Director of special services in Hammond. He was always committed to kids, education and the improvement of those around him; he was a great and supportive colleague to work with. I found him understanding supportive and always willing to discuss and compromise and assist in solving problems. He was not only a good friend to me but one of my favorite people with our professional group in Hammond. He will truly be missed. My deepest condolences to Pat and the family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My sympathy to Pat and the family. My mother worked with Don at Lafayette school. As a kid I remember him helping my mother out after my father died. He was a great guy. He and the faculty of Lafayette school had great times at the Booster Club parties. He will be missed.

My sympathy to you, Pat, and to your family at this sad time. Thinking of you! Mary Kay Stark

Living in another state I didn't see Don and Pat very much. However, when I retired to Arizona ,I was happy to find out they also wintered close to us. We met every winter for dinners and swapped stories and family info. I will miss those dinners and Don as well. My condolences to Pat and all Don's family.

I am so sorry for your families loss. Mr. Sohacki was the best of men and I will remember him fondly. While nothing can take away your grief, know your in the thoughts and prayers of many. May you be surrounded by light and love, and comforted by warm memories.

Don is my cousin by marriage to Pat and although I love all of my cousins and their significant others, Don will always stand out in my memories as being one of the kindest (and funniest!) members of the family. I was in elementary school when Pat and Don lived in Bloomington and will never forget them taking me out for ice cream and teaching me the song "There's a hole in my bucket", with Don singing the part of Henry and I sang as Liza. We sang that song for years after that! My folks Jim and Alberta (Bert) Cole also loved Don and Pat so Wayne and I were fortunate to see them over the years as they frequently stopped in NM on their to AZ. I can't imagine the Sohacki family without Don; my heart hurts for all of you. Sending healing love from your cousins Wayne and Cyndi.

Farewell to our oldest Sohacki cousin. Just remember that although you can no longer see him, he will always be with you. Our heartfelt sympathy to his entire family, especially to Pat. Many fond memories of Harbor House , Mike's Bar and the farm. Prayers for everyone.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.