Martin ‘Marty’ Raymond Sobczak, 79

Martin “Marty” Raymond Sobczak, age 79, of Wonder Lake, Ill., passed away April 24, 2021, in Chicago. He was born March 11, 1942, in Burlington, Wis., to Raymond and Bernice Sobczak.

He married the love of his life, Lynne Roberta Hunn, on Aug. 21, 1965, at Oak Creek Community Church in Oak Creek, Wis. During their 55 years of marriage, they lived in Sparta, Park Falls, Waukesha and Eagle, Wis., as well as Johnsburg, Ill., and finally the Wonder Lake area, their home since 1977.

Marty had a passion for youth development. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education from the University of Wisconsin in LaCrosse, Wis. He taught physical education in Park Falls and Waukesha, Wis., and then at East High School in McHenry, Ill., switching to history, government, and geography for his final 10 years of teaching. He also taught driver’s education for several years. One of his greatest joys was coaching. Marty coached football, wrestling, track, and cross-country in McHenry and Woodstock high schools, capping 27 years as Woodstock High School’s cross-country coach with numerous team successes, several Coach of the Year recognitions, and induction into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Marty was a faithful man, having served as a youth group leader in two previous churches. In 1996 he became a member of First Presbyterian Church in Woodstock, where he was active in various groups, including the missions’ team, as well as serving as a deacon for several years. He was a volunteer leader for the Greenwood Handi-Helpers 4-H Club. He served several terms as a trustee for the Greenwood Village.

Marty will be remembered for his great sense of humor and love of “Dad” jokes, his kind heart for all – especially teenagers – his love of riding his motorcycle, being outdoors, and woodworking. Most especially, his love of all his extended family. 

Marty is survived by his wife, Lynne; daughter, Joy Sobczak of Naperville; his sons, Lance (Kathy) Sobczak of LaCrescenta, Calif., and Kyle (Tiffany) Sobczak of Woodstock; five grandchildren, Connor, Christina, Caitlyn, Addison, and Brayden; two brothers, Mark (Tracy) Sobczak and Keith (Cherie) Sobczak; his brother-in-law, Herb Evert; and many extended family members, including aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Howard and Evelyn Hunn; and his sister-in-law, Jeanne Evert.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church, 2018 N. Route 47 in Woodstock. A private memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. Please wear masks to the visitation and observe social distancing. 

Memorials instead of flowers are preferred to any veterans organization, the American Heart Association, or Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.