John Daniel Sodja, age 53, was born on March 12, 1958, and passed away due to natural causes on September 1, 2011.
He was born and raised in East Helena, Montana, and attended Capital High School where he was a state champion cross country runner. He was a team member of the first Capital High School Team to ever win a state championship.
John went on to college but had to quit due to a tragic car accident in 1979 resulting in a brain injury. It was doubtful John would ever recover, but he never gave up and became a happy go-lucky guy who touched the hearts of all who met him.
His parents retired and moved to Arizona 1987 taking John with them. John worked in Arizona at a few jobs but finally found his niche, which was working in an airplane parts manufacturing company for 10 years, where they truly appreciated John’s hard work and dedication. He never missed a day of work and gave his all. After John’s parents’ health deteriorated, they relocated back to Montana in 2008 to be closer to family. John was able to then enjoy his love for fishing, camping and hunting with his brother, Rick, who spent much time with John and gave a lot of attention to him. John was a kind, loving person and would do anything for anyone. He always had a smile on his face and was happy to greet anyone. We are thankful we had the years we did with John.
John is survived by his parents: Lester and Geraldine Sodja; his siblings: Laura Stansberry, Anna Albertson, Patty Sodja, Rick (MaryEtta) Sodja, Mark Sodja; two nieces: Kaycee Gillespie and Jordan Albertson; four nephews: John Michael Stansberry, James Taylor Stansberry, Colter Sodja, and Jacob Sodja. He is also survived by numerous Aunts, Uncles, and many, many cousins.
Funeral Mass will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 12th at Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery. There will also be a gathering at Sts. Cyril following the burial.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Bob Biskupiak says
I was sorry to hear about John’s passing. It has been many years since I have seen him, but the great memories of high school flooded back. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Catherine Reardon Worden says
So sorry to hear about John. Love to Uncle Lester, Aunt Jerry and my cousins. What a sweet person. Glad I got to see him at the reunion last year. so sad we cannot be with you today, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless!
Cathy Ohara-White says
I worked with John at Big Sky and he always had a smile on his face and was always willing to lend a hand. I am sorry for your loss
Cheryl (Smith) Glenn says
My thoughts are with all of you! John was a great guy and I’m sure he will be missed.
Connie Sands Jerome says
I am sorry to hear of the loss of John, he was a man of great spirit. Even though I haven’t seen him in years, I’ll never forget his smile and the twinkle in his eye. My prayers are with the family at this difficult time. God Bless you all. Connie
DeAnn Caussyn says
I remember John and his family fondly – growing up in East Helena and attending St. Ann’s together. I still have a picture of our first communion and we all looked so darling! I just want to express my sympathy and let his family know that I’ve often thought about John over the years. I often asked about how he was doing and people who knew him spoke about his courage and love for family and outdoor activities.
Denise Reardon Sliger says
Thinking of you all today as you celeberate John’s life. I have very fond memories of my younger years at Aunt Jerry and Uncle Lester’s with John and all his siblings. John was always so friendly and fun. Glad that I was able to see him at the reunion last summer. Love to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you too.
dick weston says
so sorry to hear of your lose of john.may God give strength and love in your grieving TO THE FAMILY
Dini Tuffli Scharf says
I was sorry to hear of Johns passing when I got back to town last night. I have wonderful memories of the Sodja household, never a dull moment. Although it is hard to let him go, he is in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jim and Valerie Hand says
It was fun getting to see John in recent years since he moved back to Montana. We will miss him! Out thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Tricia Sahinen says
Anna, I am so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. He was very lucky to have such a loving and caring sister. Keep all the good memories of John with you. He loved you dearly. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tuffli Family says
So sorry to hear about John. May you find comfort in knowing he is a Angel now.