Robert J. Soptic Sr.

Robert J. Soptic (Sopcic) Sr., age 82, of KCK, passed October 4, 2009. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at Joseph A. Butler & Son Funeral Home, 19th and Minnesota Ave., KCK, where the Rosary will be said at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, KCK. The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, 6700 Antioch, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204. Bob was born March 12, 1927, to Annette (Tonka) and Joseph Sopcic. He lived his early years on Strawberry Hill with brother, George and sisters, Helen, Rose and Mary. He attended Wyandotte HS, but left to answer the call to service by joining the Merchant Marines during WWII. He was promptly escorted home for being under age. Not one to be deterred, he immediately and successfully rejoined to experience life throughout the world and exciting adventures on dangerous seas. Upon his return, he worked a few jobs before finding his passion with General Motors in 1949. He served as president of UAW Local 31, off and on, for 11 years as a tireless advocate for labor and middle class. He retired from GM after 44 years, but remained involved in union activities. Father to Robert, Jr., his wife Rebecca; Robert III "George," his wife Patricia and Steven and his wife Diane. Grandfather to Joshua, Michelle, Aubry, Sarah, Andrea and Joseph. Great-grandfather to Joe Anna Rose, Rayn, Gavin, Courtney and Brooke. We will miss your stories, but wish you happy adventures until we are with you again. Arr.: Joseph A. Butler & Son, (913) 371-7000.