Rodney S. Sohngen 69, passed peacefully at Mid-Pinellas Hospice Care Center, Wednesday, June 16th, 2021. He was born in Webster Mass, August 15th, 1951, to Elizabeth Satti and John Mikolajczak. He moved to St. Petersburg as a young child and then in 1967 joined the Army. He was a decorated Veteran, who served three tours in Vietnam with the 173rd "Screaming Eagles". He spent one day as a POW, he was a paratrooper, a drill sergeant, and worked with explosives, during his career. He loved the Army and served with great pride and honor. While in Italy on R&R he went to culinary school and graduated as a chef; when back in the states he held chef and executive chef positions at various restaurants in the Bay Area.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Sandra, his three children, a daughter, Tammy Howare (Dave) and sons, Rodney Sohngen and John Sohngen (Jessie); three stepchildren, Hank Vizenor (Angie), Sue Vizenor (Harmony), Steven Vizenor; 16 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind, stepmother, Ruth Mikolajczak, a brother Bruce Mikolajczak (Susan) and sister, Lynn Pederson (Chris). He is survived by nieces, Daria and Lauren, nephew, John and many cousins.
Rod's greatest joy was cooking fabulous meals for family and friends. He was best known for his Giovanni and Key West Grouper. Cooking was his way of showing his love for everyone. He also had a great sense of humor, he loved playing jokes and pranking people. He had a generous and giving heart, helping others when able.
We are saddened by his passing, but take comfort in knowing he is out of pain, not suffering anymore. He is, I am sure, ruffling the angels wings and Jesus is just shaking his head and rolling his eyes, thinking... Father...forever???...really?!
Memorial service to be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery on Friday, July 9, 2021 at 2:30 pm. Please arrive at 2pm as you will need to wear a mask and your temperature will be taken. Covid screening is still in effect at the VA. The entrance is at the regional office across from the Wawa. We will pull around in the circle in front of the regional office. We will then be escorted to the shelter where the services are to be held.
The Celebration of Life will follow at 3031 32nd Avenue North. Brick house on the corner of 32nd Avenue and 31st Street. We look forward to seeing everyone. Casual clothes and bring your bathing suits.
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