Lester John Sodja, age 83, of Helena passed away Sunday, February 14, 2016 at the Masonic Home of Montana.
Lester was born in Butte, Montana December 31, 1932 to John and Margaret Sodja. Lester attended schools in Butte and graduated high school in 1951. He enlisted and served 4 years in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict.
Lester and Geraldine Reardon were married in August of 1957 in East Helena where they raised six children. Lester was employed by the Highway Department of the State of Montana for 31 years retiring in 1987. He was very instrumental in the design of the Interstate Highway between Butte and Helena which won First Place Award in the Federal Highway Administration, Category II, “The Rural Highway” in 1988.
During their retirement years, Lester and Gerry lived in Mesa, Arizona returning to Montana in 2008 to be closer to family. Lester was an avid golfer and enjoyed dancing a Polka.
Lester was preceded in death by his wife Gerry, son, John Daniel Sodja and brother, Fr. Richard Sodja. Survivors include: daughters, Laura Stansberry of Solana Beach, California, Anna Albertson of Helena, Patty Sodja of Livermore, California; sons, Rick (MaryEtta) Sodja of Canyon Ferry Lake, Mark Sodja of Helena; surviving grandchildren include: John and James Stansberry, Jordan Albertson, Kaycee Gillespie, Colter and Jacob Sodja.
The family will receive friends during a visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 22, 2016 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery. A reception will follow in the lower level of the church. Memorials in Lester’s name are suggested to the Masonic Home of Montana, 2010 Masonic Home Road, Helena, Montana 59602.
To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Lester please visit below.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday February 22, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
East Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday February 23, 2016
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Lower Level of the church
,
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday February 22, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
East Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday February 23, 2016
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Lower Level of the church
,
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Jay Ramlo says
Les was a grand person and mentor to me at MDT. He will be remembered always by may. Truly a great person. Jay Ramlo
Allen Stenhjem Family says
To ALL the Sodja Clan
Your Mom and Dad are together again ,God Bless ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Mary Brydich says
I am sorry to hear of Les’ passing. Growing up in East Helena, I remember the Sodja family well as they lived at the end of the block. I have fond memories of those early years in East Helena. My condolences to the family.
Dini says
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of being in the Sodja household. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Cindy C. says
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the Sodja family.
Jim and Valerie Hand says
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Many memories of your Mom and Dad in the big house in East Helena.
Bill Dolan says
I am saddened to hear about Les’ passing. I spent many happy days with John and Laura at their house. The last time I spent time with Les was in 1987, when friends and I were in Arizona for spring training. We had a few beers and a lot of laughs. East Helena was the greatest place in the world . We all learned life lessons from our parents and neighbors like the Sodjas. I smile when I think of Les and Gerry polka dancing at Smith’s Place or at their home. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Sodja clan.