In Remembrance

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Richard Lawrence Sojka:

Richard L Sojka left us peacefully on August 30^th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at St. Lukes Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota. Dick (The Prop Doc) 82, was an incredible husband, father and grandfather, and not only was he a pillar of strength, but also an engaging man with his unique and entertaining personality. He was always fun to be around and will be greatly missed. Even in his final moments of consciousness, he asked us all around the room “how are you getting this time off of work!?” Can you imagine our reaction.

Born in Duluth, Minnesota on June 8^th, 1943, Richard grew up on the West side of Duluth, whereas a young man he would meet his match from the East side in Carol Jean Johnson. He probably didn’t know this at the time, (maybe he did!) but she would be the perfect match for him. Together they would work hard, party harder, get married, have children, make good decisions and build an incredible legacy together. In his early years, Dick worked on a garbage truck off Grand Avenue, and as a welder with his father John, for Clyde Iron Works in Denfeld. From there he and Carol moved up the hill to the Pike Lake area in 1970. When Clyde Iron shut down, Dick had to find his way. He started driving trucks for Arrowhead Concrete, he met Ray Dahl to become a Local Union 361 carpenter and eventually worked hard enough to invest in the welding equipment he needed to change his life. The relationships he made in the trades would become lasting friendships, and with the help and support of many around him, Dick would build a garage shop and eventually become the new owner operator of “Lake Superior Prop Repair.” Where he would continue his construction and welding profession as the Prop Doc.

Dicks favorite place to be in the world was on the lakeshore they purchased on Gunflint Lake just north of Grand Marais 50 years ago. It was 1975 and just a little flat piece of forest at the time, but it sat on a beautiful lake where he had the vision to eventually build a cozy cabin. He enjoyed all the North had to offer with its fantastic fishing, hunting, scenery and just spending time around a beautiful glowing fire, having a “highball” with family and friends. He would always say “there’s never a bad day to go down-rigging for lake trout.” He was very good at it.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Carol Sojka, his two children Daniel Sojka (wife Zhanna) and Julie Ehnes (husband Bret) and his four grandchildren Stephanie Ehnes, Casey Ehnes (wife Anna), Trevor Ehnes (wife Cassidy) and Tyden Sojka. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Bozicevich (husband Ed), many nieces, nephews and good friends that will miss him dearly.

A Memorial Service will be held at the “Pike Lake Golf and Beach Club” on Tuesday, September 23^rd from 4pm-7pm. Please come as you are and we will celebrate his life with food and drink.

Rest in peace dear Father, your memory will live in our hearts forever.