SOKUP, Michael T., age 59

Died: Friday, July 31st, 2026

Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the funeral home
The evening will conclude with a Time for Sharing Memories starting at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Francis Thadathil as celebrant 
There is NOT a visitation at church. We ask that you please be seated on either side of the aisle. Mass will begin with the arrival of family and Mike's casket. Thank you. 

Interment: Rest Haven Cemetery, Town of Washington, Wisconsin

Michael Sokup, age 59, passed away at home on Friday, July 31, 2026, surrounded by his family. His life was filled with love for his family, music, and helping others. 

Michael was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. He had six siblings: four older brothers and two younger sisters. His childhood was full of adventurous days exploring the town on his bike and working alongside his siblings to help run the family grocery store and meat market on the south side of Chippewa. After graduating from McDonnel Central High School, he attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. While in college, he worked as a residential care worker at the Eau Claire Academy, which led him to pursue a degree in Social Work.

He was employed at Eau Claire County for 37 years. He worked as a Juvenile Detention Worker, Juvenile Court Intake Worker, Child Protective Services Social Worker, and for his last 18 years, as a Support and Service Coordinator in the Children's Long Term Support Program. Many of his coworkers looked up to him and admired his expertise and dedication to the field. He had a knack for lightening the mood with his humor and memorable emails. Michael also served his community by being on the Board of Directors for the APPLE Pregnancy Care Center. In addition, he and his wife were actively involved with the Marriage Encounter Team, sharing stories and insights on weekend retreats designed to help couples strengthen their marriages.

Michael was married to his wife, Mary, for almost 35 years. They were best friends who loved doing everything together. They have four children: Ryan, Benjamin, Laura, and Gregory. Michael loved spending time with his family, whether it was attending his kids' extracurricular activities, going on family vacations, hiking, camping, going for walks, or family game nights. He participated in scouting activities with his sons and always looked forward to taking his daughter to the annual father-daughter dance.

Michael also had a passion for music. He enjoyed playing guitar as well as writing and recording original songs. In 2024, he started releasing his music to the public. His hope is that his music will resonate with others in a meaningful way for years to come.

Michael was a man of honesty, integrity, and unwavering Christian faith. During the challenges he experienced with cancer, he would often remind us that death is not the end, and this is not goodbye - it's see you later. His smile, playfulness, cheesy dad jokes, gentle words of encouragement, hugs, wisdom, humility, generosity, and patience will be held in our hearts forever.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Patricia Sokup. He is survived by his wife, children, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, six siblings, many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Michael will be greatly missed, and we look forward to the day we will see him again.