Karl L. Sobanja,
56, of Grand Marais, died January 26, 2010 from cancer.
He was born November 13, 1953 in Graceville, MN to Leonard and Louise Sobanja.
Karl moved to Grand Marais in 1956. He graduated from Cook County High School in 1972. He served six years in the U.S. Army as a Radar Specialist.
Karl resided in Fairbanks, AK for more than 20 years, where he was employed as a cook. He returned to Grand Marais four years ago, where he was employed in the building trades.
Karl had a passion for music, was an accomplished guitarist and loved drawing.
Karl was preceded in death by his mother, Louise, in 1975.
He is survived by his loving partner of 40 years, Debra Vanderzee, who was his constant caregiver in his final battle with cancer. He is also survived by his daughter; his father, Leonard (Lennie) Sobanja; siblings, Fritz, Hans (Deb), Heidi, Chris (Lucy) and Kurt (Natalie) Sobanja; stepsisters Pamela Hystad, Karen (Steven) Nimmich, and Tara (David) Parsons; nieces and nephews, Jada, Kyle (Sheila), Briza, Greg, Silas and Elias Sobanja and Lenna Stever, Katheryn (Pat) Maher, Brianna and Allison Nimmich, Helen, Geoffrey and Nicolas Parsons; and grandnephew and –niece Lars and Lucy Maher.
No memorial service will be held at Karl’s request.
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