Joe Sokierka's Celebration and Remembrance of Life

• Sunday, April 19th
• 1:00pm - 5:00pm
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• Mississippi Crossings Event Center (click for directions)
• 307 East River Parkway, Champlin, MN 55316 Ph: 763-421-2820
• 
  
• 1:00pm - 2:30pm - Stop On By and Say Hi
• 2:30pm - 3:30pm - Words of Remembrance, Family and Friends
• 3:30pm - 5:00pm - Light Buffet
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Show your love by wearing Joe's favorite colors, Purple and Gold

Donations preferred in lieu of flowers. Your donation is promised to support dementia advocacy for families and provide the comfort of robotic and plush companions. Joe cherished, retained the ability to care for his furry friends and experienced so much joy during his journey with dementia. Help spread this joy!

 In care of: Karen Michaelson, 6002 213th Lane NE, Wyoming, MN 55092.

Donations can also be sent through:

 @kam202064 

Or ZELLE 

Joseph Edward Sokierka, born August 18, 1926, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, peacefully passed away on January 23, 2026 at the age of 99, wrapped in his daughter's arms with peace and dignity. Joe lived a remarkable life defined by love, connection, and unwavering devotion to family.

After 76 years as an optician, Joe proudly finished his career at the Spectacle Shoppe in New Brighton at age 93. Known affectionately as "Viking Joe," he fiercely defended his beloved Minnesota Vikings throughout his life. In recent years, following a traumatic brain injury, Joe gracefully navigated dementia symptoms while continuing to connect with everyone he met. His joy remained constant—his family, his friends, and the caring team at Cedar Creek Senior Living Community who became family and loved him as their own.

Joe is survived by his daughters JoAnne Benson and Karen Michaelson (Tim); grandchildren Ryan Higgins (Sheila), Angela Higgins, Cori Moore (Paige), Angie Seiberlich (Brandon) and great-grandchildren Lexia and Lincoln. He was preceded in death by many family members and friends but most importantly by his beloved wife Anne, with whom he is now dancing the polka with and fixing everyone's glasses.

"You are not getting old, you are getting older." – Joe