Ronald C. Sokolowski, Sr.'Stat-Man'Racine- Ronald C. 'Stat-Man' Sokolowski, Sr., 66, died unexpectedly at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare on Monday, November 10, 2008.Ron was born in Racine on May 14, 1942 to Ignatius 'Nick' and LaVerne (nee, Mroch) Sokolowski. He graduated from Wm. Horlick High School, Class of '60 and was a true Rebel, known as 'Stat-Man' with both the football and basketball teams. Ron thoroughly enjoyed watching his only grandson Shaun out on the baseball and football fields. Ron retired from Western Publishing Company after more than 37 years of service. He also worked for Schmitt Security. Ron loved to fish with his fishing buddies, Shaun and Lenny and was active in the Root River Restoration. Ron had a special fondness for his pets; his bird Pudgy and his frog, Beauford. His favorite holiday's were the Fourth of July, displaying his own fireworks show, Halloween with his own haunted house and Christmas, playing Santa throughout Racine, which he took over his dad's job after his death in 1986. He also started to learn magic and perform for his family. Ron also had a love for music, playing both drums and accordion in his youth, appearing on the Lawrence Welk Show. Ron played drums in the Elks Youth Band and Kilties Jr. Corp ('68 - '71), and marched with the Honor Guard in the Kilties Sr. Corp ('98 - present). He also was a drum instructor for the Racine Scout Corp. He also played in local bands; The Meteors, Gentlemen of Note, Satellite's, Stardust, and The Fantastic's/No Illusion's/Remember When. He was on the Board of directors, serving as Secretary for the Racine Musician's Union. Ron was a friendly sociable person, loved by everyone he met. Most of all he enjoyed spending quality time with his family. We will love and miss you tremendously!Ron is survived by his children, Laurie (Kevin) LaFever, Diana (Todd Bindel) Sokolowski and Ronald Sokolowski, Jr.; grandchildren, Shaun (Amber Friso) LaFever, Nicole and Taylor LaFever and Britney and Caitlin Bindel; and his former wife and best friend, Judy Sokolowski; his uncle, Lenny Sokolowski; and aunt, Lillian Sokolowski. Ron is also survived by other relatives and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents whom his mother passed away August 20, 2008; and grandparents, John and Laura Levandowsky.Funeral services for Ron will be held at the funeral home on Friday, November 14, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Daniel B. Quinn officiating. Interment will follow in Mound Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be directed to the Horlick High School Football or Basketball programs; or to the family.The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Racine Fire Department Paramedics, the Emergency Department staff at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints, and Rev. Daniel B. Quinn for all of their efforts, care and compassion shown to our father and family.