Jeffrey Hans Socha, age 42 , died Oct. 3, 2010 in Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, North Dakota.
Beloved son of Gerhard (Jerry) and Yvonne (Bonnie) Socha, he was born Dec. 26, 1967, at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, Man., Canada.
Jeffrey immigrated with his parents at age of 3 and lived most of his life in Rugby and Balta, North Dakota. He graduated from Rugby High School in 1986. He later moved to Felton, Minn., where he presently resided.
Jeff loved animals, especially his dogs. He enjoyed cooking, playing guitar, entertaining guests, and was an expert with computers. He loved people and making them laugh with his arsenal of numerous jokes. He was a very giving and sharing person all his life. He was always helpful and supportive whenever needed.
Jeff worked for the family's business, Rugby Manufacturing, until it was sold. He worked as a computer system administrator. His dedication and service was appreciated.
As in life, Jeff gave in death by donating all his organs to help others live on. Our prayers are with their families for their loved ones' new lease on life.
He is survived by: his parents, Jerry and Bonnie Socha, Lake Metigoshe, N.D., and his brothers, Timothy Socha, Brian (wife Lynelle) Socha, and their three children Jeremiah, Joshua and Matthew, in Boise, Idaho; his sisters, Cindy (Socha) Kvalevog (husband Raymond) in Devils Lake, and Donna Celitti (husband Pete) in Bellaire, Man.; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins in Canada and Germany. Jeffrey is also survived by his wife, Janice Socha, and her three daughters from a previous marriage, Wendy Wolff, Heidi Ternes and Kathy Ternes, Fertile, Minn.
Memorial service: Will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010, at 2 p.m. in Niewoehner Funeral Home, Rugby.
Rev. Thomas M. Garner will officiate. Music will be provided by David Trottier, who will accompany himself on guitar. A reception at the Rugby Senior Citizens Center will follow the service.
Honorable pallbearers will be: Doug Krick, Bill Hartl, Mark Pfau, Brian Lewis, Timothy Socha, Brian Socha and Raymond Kvalevog.
Doug Krick will give a eulogy.
Memorials: Please do not send flowers because Jeff's wishes would be for us to gift any donations to a dog/animal shelter.
He was deeply loved by many and will be greatly missed.
(Niewoehner Funeral Home,Rugby)