Obituary of Berney J. Sokoloskis

Berney Jay Sokoloskis, 52, longtime resident of Niles, passed away at his home on Sunday, April 20, 2014 after a long fight with colon cancer. He was born on January 1, 1962 to the late Leah Dunning and John Sokoloskis in Des Plaines, Illinois. Berney was a graduate of Bridgman High School where he was involved in Track. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and England. He met his wife, Rosaline while stationed in England. Berney was a very special man who was always loving and romantic to his wife. The two of them eventually wed and moved back to the U.S. Berney and Rosaline loved to go on spur of the moment adventures and more often than not they thought alike and often finished each other's sentences. Berney was a great father to his sons whom he loved spending time with, taking them to their sporting games and often went on trips with them. Berney was a truck driver for several years. He was a very generous man and was always willing to help anyone out of a bind. He enjoyed bowling, football from the University of Michigan as well as the Chicago Bears, listening to music and working on cars. Berney is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife Rosaline Sokoloskis; sons Stephen (Jen Losey) Hill of Caro, Michigan and John (Jessica Miltbarger) Hill, his adorable grandson Logan Miltbarger (whom he was hoping to spend a lot of time with teaching him some fun things) of Niles, Michigan; daughter Catherine Sokoloskis; siblings Bill (Darlene) Sokoloskis of Bristol, Wisconsin, Bob (Donna) Sokoloskis of Lake Wales, Florida, Bud (Debbie) Sokoloskis of Dowagiac, Michigan, Benny (Wendy) Sokoloskis of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Barry Sokoloskis of Niles, Berney's twin Barney Burkhart of Auburn, Indiana, Bonnie Cope of South Bend Indiana, Benita (Avrel) Shults of Waialua, Hawaii, Bradley (Teri) Sokoloskis of Niles and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with a time of visitation beginning one hour prior. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Berney's name may do so to the Colon Cancer Alliance at 1025 Vermont Avenue Northwest; Suite 1066; Washington, DC 20005.