Edward E. Sopher

1936 - 2019

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On March 12, 2019, Edward E. Sopher passed away. He was born in Galesburg, Illinois, on July 5, 1936, to George and Eleanor. His sister Patsy, was born three years later.
Coming from a mining and farming family, Ed learned early to work hard, usually dawn to dusk. He attended a one-room grade school in Etherley, Illinois, and graduated in 1954 from ROVA High School. It was in his senior year, he met and fell in love with Mary A. Holmes. That year was also the start of his mining career when he began working for Little John Coal Mining Company. Sept. 15, 1956, Ed and Mary were married.
In January of 1958, their son, Randy was born, and he started his studies to become a master mason. He was raised in April. In September of 1960, their daughter, Teresa was born. They lived in Toulon, Illinois, until 1969 when Ed took an opportunity to transfer to a new mine, Big Sky Mine in Colstrip, Montana. After 41 hard years, he retired in 1996. The proudest accomplishments of his career were his UMWA membership, title dragline operator and the friendships he made with his co-workers.
Ed was very involved in the community and church. He served on the school board, several others and never missed his kids' games or concerts. He had many hobbies, but trap shooting was his favorite and a true passion. He and Mary traveled to hundred of shoots around the country and had many fun adventures. In 2006, they moved to Brownsville, and Mary still resides there.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son. Missing him and loving him forever are his wife, daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his sister and countless friends.
A service will be held in Colstrip at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Colstrip Trap Club. (P.O. Box 782, Colstrip, MT 59323) or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, Montana. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.