Dennis ‘Soapy’ Sobczak

Born on May 8, 1942 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Stanley and Harriet Sobczak, Soapy was raised in Milwaukee. Soapy discovered his lifelong passion for automobiles in an unlikely way: his parents never owned a car. As a teenager in the mid-1950s, he was captivated by the sight of brand-new model year cars arriving at local dealerships and inspired by older friends who hot-rodded their own vehicles. That early spark grew into a lifelong devotion to customizing and restoring cars.

Soapy began his working career at a printing company for a couple of years. It was his skill and vision for car restoration, however, that would earn him early recognition. In 1968, he relocated his family from Milwaukee to Ishpeming to pursue his craft and begin his automotive career. Ten years later, he moved to Marquette and opened his own shop — Paint Ventures by Soapy. In 1987, after his sons joined the business, it became Soapy & Sons. Over the years Soapy restored, hot-rodded, and customized countless cars. His work was featured in magazines, won numerous awards, and earned his shop a place among the Top Ten Restoration Shops in the Midwest by Old Cars Weekly. Even though he retired in 2002, his hands never strayed far from the tools, continuing to build hot rods for himself and enjoying his beloved dogs and cats.

Outside the shop, Soapy loved boating, fishing, and model railroading. In his own words, he hoped to be remembered as ‘just a car-crazy kid who refused to grow up.’

Soapy married Audrey in August 1961, and together they raised a family until her passing in 1994. In June 2003, he married Judy Devroy, with whom he shared the rest of his life.

He is survived by his wife Judy; children Jeff (Shawn Robinson) Sobczak of Marquette, Lori (Vern) Rintala of Negaunee, and Craig Sobczak of Champion; grandchildren Zevin (Sarah) Sobczak, Aaron Sobczak, Ricky McLaughlin, Nicholas McLaughlin, and Grace Sobczak; great-grandchild Ashe Sobczak; stepchildren Shelley (Steve) Matt, Becky (Russell) Devroy-Hudson, Deborah (John) Sicotte, and David (Gretchen) Devroy; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Audrey.

Honoring Soapy’s request no public services will be held. The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral And Cremation Services is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com