Michael (Mike) J. Sowle, 66, passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2015 while vacationing in Texas. He was born in Milwaukee on September 16, 1948, the son of Don and Gloria (nee: Kelnhofer) Sowle. Following his graduation from Custer High School in 1966, Mike proudly served in the US Navy from January 7, 1967 – January 29, 1971. Mike was deployed in the contiguous waters of North and South Vietnam aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard, where he served as an Aviation Boatswains Mate 2nd Class (ABH2) in the V-2 Division operating the catapaults. During his service Mike was awarded the Presidential Unit Commendation, Naval Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Award, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Mike was a Racine area resident for most of his life working as a carpenter for many local construction companies. He was an enthusiast of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He spent many of his recent years with his HOG buddies and riding all over on his ‘scooters’. Mike was a Paid Up for Life Member of the American Legion, Life Member of VVA Chapter 767, Life Member of the NRA, and a member of SE Wisconsin HOG Racine Chapter.
Mike is survived by his children: Jennifer (Bryan) Robinson of Terrell, Texas, Bill (Stephanie) Folk of Racine, Angel Folk of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Gary (Joan) Folk of Cincinnati, Ohio; his grandchildren: Eli and Emme Folk; Abby and Mike Simpson, Will and JJ Tucker; Logan, Ava, and Emmett Folk. He is also survived by his mother, Gloria Kelnhofer of Waukesha; brother, John (Dawne) Sowle of San Antonio, Texas; and sister, Jan (Doug) Dewsnap also of Waukesha. He was preceded in death by his father, Don Sowle.
Family and friends are invited to meet at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, on Thursday, April 16, 2015 from 3-6p.m. for a visitation, immediately followed by a memorial service with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Private interment with full military honors will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Please consider donations in his memory to either Fischer House Wisconsin or National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
Meritt Hutton says
The Final Inspection:
The sailor stood and faced his God which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
“Step forward now, you sailor, how shall I deal with you?� ���Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?”
The sailor squared his shoulders and said, “No, Lord, I guess I ain’t, ���Cause those of us who carry guns can’t always be a saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays and at times my talk was tough, and sometimes I’ve been violent because the world is awfully rough.
I’ve never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear, and sometimes, God forgive me, I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place among the people here; they never wanted me around except to calm their fears.
If there’s a bunk for me in here, it needn’t be so grand; I�۪ve never expected nor had too much, so if you don’t, I understand.”
There was a silence all around the throne where saints had often trod as the sailor waited quietly for the judgment of his God:
“Step forward now, you sailor, you’ve borne your burdens well. Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets; you’ve done your time in Hell.”
William Garner says
i had the pleasure of serving with Mike on the Bonnie Dick in 1970 in catapults. I only knew him for about a year but I remember him as a fine man and a proud sailor that did his duty as a dedicated professional. Rest in pease Brother.
Bob Sterling says
RIP Mike. I wish we had taken that ride together. Praying for the family.
Bill and kathy Schlosser says
We will miss you Mike.