Irving Sodak

OSKALOOSA — Irving "Sody" F. Sodak, 87, of Oskaloosa, died Sunday, May 3, 2009, at the Mahaska Hospital in Oskaloosa.  He was born June 9, 1921, at Evans, the son of John and Ellen Mitrisin Sodak. He graduated from the Oskaloosa Senior High with the class of 1938. Following high school, he worked at the old A and P Market in Oskaloosa. In 1942, he entered the United States Army Air Force and served his country during World War II. Upon being honorably discharged from the military, he went to work for Iowa Valve, now Clow, from 1947 – 1965. On Nov. 28, 1949, he was united in marriage to Marion Hensley at St. Mary's Church in Oskaloosa. In 1965, he went to work for the United States Postal Service and retired from there in 1986 after 21 years of service. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oskaloosa, Knights of Columbus, Marion Council 4108, the International Association of Machinists, American Postal Worker's Union, the Eagles, American Legion and the South Central Iowa Bass Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He devoted his life to his family and enjoyed attending as many of his children and grandchildren's events that he could, especially attending baseball games. He also enjoyed listening to music and doing crossword puzzles.His family includes his wife of nearly 60 years, Marion Sodak of Oskaloosa: three daughters and their husbands: Mary Jo and Craig Akers, of rural Albia, Kathy and Tony Sedrel, of Oskaloosa, and Diane and Andy Davis, of Oskaloosa; two sons and their wives: John Patrick and Kham Sodak, and Mike and Trina Sodak, all of Oskaloosa; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister: Dorothy Green, of Newton.He was preceded in death by his parents.Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, May 6 at 11 a.m. in the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oskaloosa with the Rev. Thomas Spiegel officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin at the funeral chapel on Tuesday after 12 p.m. A Rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, and the family will be at the funeral chapel until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Mahaska Hospice or to St. Mary's Catholic Church.