Luanne Sobczak, age 71, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at her residence in Hayward, WI. She was born on March 4, 1954 in Ashland, WI, the daughter of Irvin Ernest and Jeanne Marie (Gonsolin) Smith. She was united in marriage to Thomas Stephen Sobczak on May 18, 2001 in Las Vegas, NV.

Luanne was a substitute teacher for the school districts in the North Lake and Hartland Wisconsin areas for many years. She loved music and enjoyed playing guitar and singing, mostly folk music. Luanne was passionate about teaching others guitar, and she taught her husband and most of her children to play. She enjoyed gardening and had several beautiful flower gardens around her home. Also, she was a lifelong Girl Scout Leader and beloved Director at Camp Winding River, teaching thousands of girls to live their lives with kindness, independence, and creativity.

She is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, Thomas Sobczak of Hayward, WI; her children, Bonnie (Vladimyr) Gidzak of Minneapolis, MN, Ben (Heather) Bauer of Mequon, WI, Nicholas Bauer of Milwaukee, WI, Jean (Dan) Benz of Menomonee Falls, WI, Cindy (Dave) Triscari of Waukesha, WI; her grandchildren, Peregrine Gidzak and Calvin Triscari; her sisters, Chris Smith of Hayward and Ruth Ann (Patrick) Wheling of Loma, CO and niece Jessica Wheling, nephew Luke Wheling and many dear friends.

Luanne is preceded in death by her parents.

Last Update: Apr 15, 2025 1:09 pm CDT