Spencer James Sokolowski

Spencer ("Spike") James Sokolowski passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, after 94 years of extraordinary life.

Spike was born on August 8, 1931 to John and Marie Sokolowski in their modest Northeast Minneapolis apartment, above what later became known as "Sokol's Bar". Spike's father, a professional boxer early in his life, and his mother, a 1935 graduate of the Minneapolis College of law, instilled in Spike a strong value for education and commitment to community service.

Spike attended Holy Cross grade school, Edison High School, and the University of Minnesota. His college years were interrupted when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving his country honorably around the world for four years. When Spike returned from the Navy, he finished his studies at the University of Minnesota, graduating with a business degree (BAA) in 1957.

After college, Spike married the love of his life, Dolores ("Dee") Foley. They were married for almost 65 wonderful years. They raised 4 children in their Minneapolis, and, later, Coon Rapids home on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Shortly after they were married, Spike and Dee moved to Detroit where Spike worked for Ford Motor Company. Influenced by his mother's legal education, Spike returned to Minneapolis and enrolled at the University of Minnesota Law School in 1959, graduating in 1962. Spike practiced law in several Columbia Heights law firms, and served as Columbia Heights City Attorney, before eventually starting his own law practice.

In 1970, Spike ran for and won a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives. There he met Governor Wendell Anderson, who appointed Spike a Judge of the Anoka County Court. Spike loved being a judge and served the communities of the 10th Judicial District for almost 30 years, acting as Chief Judge for a number of years. Even after reaching mandatory retirement age, Spike asked the Governor to appoint him to any District Court in the State that was in need of judicial assistance. Spike continued to serve in this role across the State into his 80s. When asked what he enjoyed most about being a judge Spike often said that he loved serving the public and making a difference in people's lives. Spike's dedication, integrity, and commitment to the communities that he served has made them a better place for us all.

Outside the courtroom, Spike enjoyed tending to his gardens, especially his prized rose gardens, playing bridge and cribbage, and puzzling. He was a proud and enthusiastic supporter of his kids at their many sporting events. Spike loved downhill skiing and took the entire family on many memorable family ski trips. Spike took up running in his 40s, joining the North Suburban Striders running club and participating in hundreds of running races

across the Midwest. Spike was the race director for the Anoka Halloween Race for 25 years and the Bunker Hills Fun Run for almost as many. Spike later combined his running with biking and swimming and became a competitive triathlete, until into his late 70s.

Spike was a man of profound faith. He attended as many prayer services as he could, counted Catholic priests as his good friends, and always had one of his many rosaries not far away. Spike led a strong Christian life by example, with a kind word and enthusiastic smile for all he met, offering a helping hand to those in need, and even dispensing leniency in his courtroom when someone deserved a second chance in life.

Spike is survived by his loving children and their spouses, Joe (Lindsay) Sokolowski, Jim (Deanna) Sokolowski, Ann (Don) Wilson, and Laura (Doug) Jaeger, Grandchildren Nick, Jack, and Ruby Sokolowski, Katy (Jacob) Ogren, Abby Sokolowski, Alec Wilson, Alicia (Nick) Kaufman, and Spencer, Ben, Parker, and Meredith Jaeger, Greatgrandchildren Lincoln Kaufman and Penelope Ogren, as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.

Spike was preceded in death by his wife Dolores, his parents, John and Marie, his sister, Mary Jane Gustafson, his brother, Jack, and his infant son, John Spencer.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 10:30 am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9100 93rd Ave North, Brooklyn Park, MN, with visitation starting at 9:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Spike's name to St. Therese at Oxbow Lake or Sharing and Caring Hands.

Washburn-McReavy.com

Robbinsdale Chapel 763-537-2333