Leon J. Sovey, age 84, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at University of Wisconsin Madison Hospital.
Leon grew up in Escanaba, the son of Henry and Lillian [LaMarche] Sovey. In his early years, Leon was a member of the Escanaba Golden Gloves Boxing Team and The Escanaba Stock Car Association as a driver and safety inspector. Working as a lineman and field supervisor for Cable Constructors of Iron Mountain, Leon traveled extensively throughout the United States.
An avid NASCAR fan, Leon with his twin brother LeRoy and brother Terry, drove his motorhome to many NASCAR races to cheer on his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt Sr. and in later years, Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Currently his enjoyment came from working in the kitchen of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church making pasties with his friends, Friday night card games with his siblings and friends, and fishing with his great grandchildren. Leon cherished the time spent with his family.
Leon is survived by his children Timothy (Kathy) Sovey, Tammy (Mike) Karkkainen, and Tina Sovey-Koish; brothers Leroy Sovey and Terry Sovey; sisters Bonnie (Karl) Kutz, Connie (Alan) Ettenhoffer, Vickie Bullard, and Brenda (Greg) Mott-Brunette; grandchildren Kevin (Ashley) Karkkainen, Kelsey (Nick) Herrild, Kari Karkkainen, Jacob Koish, Jennifer (Joey) Taskey, Jessica Koish, and Jarred Sovey; 7 great-grandchildren; honorary sister Marland Mosier; special friend Claudia Garland; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents; son Leon Thomas Sovey; grandson Zachary Sovey-Koish; brother Tim (Linda) Sovey; and brothers-in-law Robert Bullard and Fred Mott.
Family will receive friends on Friday, November 8, 2024 at the Skradski Funeral Home in Escanaba from 10 AM to 12 noon. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 PM at the St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Jeff Kurtz officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Leon will be laid to rest at Gardens of Rest Cemetery at 3 PM.
Joe Peacock - Menominee, MI
Tammy and Mike, we’re sad to learn that Leon passed. He was a major reason the stock car races in Esky were successful, for which I have great memories. God bless Leon and your Family.
JJo Anna Viau Higgerson - East Moline, Il
As A child I had a crush on the twins. I was friends with Connie and loved hanging at their home alsways hoping one
of the boys would pop in.
I loved the Sovy family. My thoughts and prayers are with them during the difficult time.
Kevin R Denecke - Ford River, MI
To the Sovey Family,
I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Gary & Becky Lehman - Escanaba , MI
To Leon’s entire family we send our sincere condolences. He battled through his share of medical issues, and fought a tough battle especially with his lungs! Rest In Peace Leon!!!
Tracy Canull Mayville - Escanaba, MI
Tammy, Mike and family- so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Angela Marie Dubois - Escanaba, MI
To Sovey family, I love you all and am so sorry to hear about Leon the twins are very special to me & so many others. So much fun we all had. RIP Leon