Joseph H. Sohn

Joe bravely made his decision not to seek a “cure,” which would have involved surgery to remove his bladder, plus radiation and chemotherapy. He wanted to keep his body intact, and go out with everything working. “For Pete’s sake, I’m 85, and I’ve had a pretty good run!” He felt so lucky to know his time was coming and used his remaining year to spend quality time with his many loved ones, and get his business affairs in order for his family.

He is survived and missed by his son Scott Sohn, his daughter Nicole Sohn McElroy and her husband Scott McElroy, his first wife Noel Sohn, his brothers Jim Sohn, Don Sohn, and Ken Sohn, his sister Karen Sohn, his beloved niece Shannon Sohn Riley with her husband Sean Riley, and his stepsons John Sweet and Patrick Sweet. Preceded in death by his parents, Joe Sohn Senior and Otillia Sohn, as well as second wife Pamela Sohn, his brother Larry Sohn, and his stepdaughter Heather Sweet; all awaiting, aiding, and comforting him in his transition.

Joe was born in 1936, joined the Marines in 1959, and went to boot camp in California. He then came home to Lansing to work in the family business, Sohn Linen Service.

Joe was a total bad ass in his youth. He was a fearless, gun toting, take-no-shit, member of the Sohn Linen Service Family, back when doing business in Lansing was a bit more rough and tumble than it is today.

Joe had an adventurous spirit, and loved to travel. He loved spending time with his children, and created memories traveling with them to exotic destinations since they were old enough to travel. He loved going to the beach, and spent time in Jamaica, Mexico, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. He loved to sail, and spent many years sailing on trips with his buddies, when he wasn't searching for the perfect Au Natural Beaches, where he could relax and be free. Affectionately called Papa Jose Lani by his children, he was lucky enough to take one last trip to Mexico to his favorite resort last December. That was Joe's happy place, laying on the beach and eating gourmet food with his family. He loved to tell classic stories from the old wild days. And man, he loved to rock out to Queen. His 85th Birthday party in May was such a gift, as he had already outlived the time that the doctors had given him, and he was having a good day.

He was gregarious, and never met a stranger he didn't pass on his business card to. Seemed like everyone in town knew Joe and Joe knew everyone. He always brought a positive outlook, and made everybody feel welcome.

He loved hot tubs and kept his bubbling all year long. The most intimate conversations always happened in the hot tub with Jose. "It just doesn't get any better than this," he loved to say, whenever the moment was particularly good, and every challenge was viewed as keeping things “Interesting.”

He always kept up with the news and sports, and enjoyed a lively political debate with friends and neighbors about the current events.

Over the last 50 years, Papa Jose was often to be found at happy hour at a local bar called Dagwood's.

Charming to the end, he had a whole team of ladies around him supporting him and caring for him. We are so grateful for all of the love and support he received.

His niece, Shannon Sohn Riley, and his brother, Jim Sohn, were especially dedicated and loving these last couple of years, and their amazing care and constant presence will forever be appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, Joe expressed a desire for contributions to be made in his name to Feeding America www.feedingamerica.org

A Celebration of Life is in the works for this spring 2022, when we can more safely gather together outdoors. And whatnot.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the Sohn family.