Charles Daniel "Dan" Sobocienski, 87, of Traverse City, passed away on February 28, 2026. Dan was born in Highland Park, Michigan on March 4, 1938, to Charles and Leocadia Sobocienski. He married his beautiful wife Patrica "Sue" Sears on August 15, 1967 and they lived in Sterling Heights, Michigan where Dan was an X-Ray Technician and Sue taught math and computer science at Madison High School. Upon retirement, they built their home near family in Traverse City and moved there in 1993. They were both passionate about their volunteer work at the Cherryland Humane Society and their volunteer positions at the National Cherry Festival every summer.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Dan enjoyed hunting and fishing, but especially fly fishing. He jokingly told his daughter, Sally, that she'd have to move her wedding date as it conflicted with opening day of trout season. Summers and deer camp at the family cabin in Michigan's Upper Peninsula were treasured traditions. Dan was always welcoming to family and friends with a "jak się masz" and you couldn't walk into the house without being offered "a bump and a beer." A highlight for him was the annual Sears Family Pig Roast that the family started in 2002 that grew into a huge event every year of close to 300 people, a 15-foot bonfire, and singing Sweet Caroline into the wee hours. He was known for his quick wit, mischievous sense of humor and stellar back seat driving skills. He delighted in being a practical joker, always ready with a smart alec remark and a twinkle in his eye.

Dan is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sue, daughter Sally (Jim) Ball, Nephew Todd (Tracie) Sears, Niece Debbie Sears, Nephew Scott (Loretta) Plamondon, Nieces Michele (John) Hart, Monica (Jim) Park, Kimberly (Tom) Liliensiek, Stephanie Pipp, and Nephew Matthew Pipp. Great nieces and nephews Trevor, Taylor, David, Michael, Lilah, Natalie, and Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Delores Pipp.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 6, 2026 at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home at 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. Visitation will begin at 10:00am with Service at 11:00am followed by lunch. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan's name may be made to the Cherryland Humane Society or TC Paws.