Elizabeth Sokel

There are some people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile greater, and live a whole lot better. Liz peacefully took her last breath on November 19th, 2025, at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Appleton, WI on November 30th, 1954, to Helen (Bisely) & Willard Stilp. She enjoyed being a member of Teen Board at H.C. Prange in high school, and after graduating from Menasha High School in 1973, went on to work at Wisconsin Tissue Mills. She then married Corry Sokel, Sr. on March 9th, 1974 and chose to dedicate her life to being a mother to her four children. Elizabeth truly embodied the definition of love and selflessness, opening her home to many who would come to consider her a “second mother”. She was a devout Christian who lived by example.

She had a witty sense of humor, that lasted until the very end. Even when there wasn’t much to laugh about, she found a way to make a joke. She was an avid Beatles fan, which led to her receiving her nickname “Yaya” from her granddaughter, Morgan. She was creative and crafty, a great gardener, and a talented seamstress. She sewed for her kids, their friends, and entire dance classes. She loved sewing so much that her and her dear friend Karen Ziegert were in a sewing group called the “Sew What’s”. She spent a lot of her time volunteering at children’s events and church functions.

She is survived by her husband of 51+ years Corry Sokel Sr.; Children Corry (Heather) Sokel, Angela Olson, Beki (Cole) Grygny, and Sarah (Vinson) Scheidell. Her lifetime loving sister, Sharon Stilp; in-laws Richard (Mary) Sokel, Tim (Judy) Sokel, and Harry (Annie) Sokel. Her grandchildren Emily, Morgan, Grace, Nina, Alexander, Isaiah, Ryff, Harper, Arco, and Zoey; and great grandson Elijah. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers James and John (Jack), sister Helen, niece Jenny, and grandson Noah. She was further preceded in death by her in-laws Richard & Maureen (Corky) Sokel, sister-in-law Barbara Fitzpatrick, and brother-in-law Lowell (Buzz) Leitzke.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 29th, 2025 at Westgor Funeral Home, 1140 Appleton Road, Menasha, 54952, with visitation starting at 9:30am until the time of service at 11:30am.

Special Heartfelt Thanks to all of her caregivers at Theda Care Hospital and Theda Care Hospice for making her final days as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.

We will forever hear you singing your many jingles, Pony Girl, You are my Sunshine, and:

“Daisy, Daisy
Give me your answer do
I'm half-crazy All for the love of you
It won't be a stylish marriage
I can't afford a carriage
But you'll look sweet
Upon the seat
Of a bicycle built for two”