Col (Ret) Henry Sobieski

COL (Ret) Henry Frank “Hank” Sobieski, 82, passed away at his home on November 3, 2022 in Broomfield, Colorado. He was born on February 27, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois. Hank graduated from De Paul University in 1962 and Purdue University graduate school in 1969. From 1962 to 1992, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army, which included the Vietnam War and the First Gulf War. After he retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Army, Hank worked another 15 years in the Defense Industry as an executive at Raytheon.

Hank was the loving husband of Jean Sobieski (Troutt). He is survived by his wife; children Henry Sobieski Jr., Mark Sobieski, Jeanine Croon and 9 grandchildren.

Hank enjoyed fishing, shooting, technology, travel, and a good laugh. Hank was an avid storyteller and loved to tell tall tales. Hank’s pride and joy were the several generations of Brittany and Boykin Spaniels that he raised from pups. He was a member of Lambda Tau Lambda. He was also a member of the prayer group at Immaculate Conception Parish, Anthem Ranch Veterans Group, Anthem Ranch Fly Fishers Club, and Anthem Ranch men's coffee group.

Hank met Jean, the love of his life, at the Saint Francis Borgia teen club on Chicago's far West side. Only casual acquaintances, they began dating in their Junior year at De Paul University. Upon graduation, Hank was commissioned as a Lieutenant. Hank and Jean were married at his first tour of duty, Fort Carson, Colorado in October 1962.

Colonel Sobieski served our great nation across the globe for 30 years in the U.S. Army. He commanded units in Colorado, Vietnam, Germany, Virginia, Illinois, Alabama and several assignments at the Pentagon.  During his military career, Colonel Sobieski specialized in Army Personnel Systems analysis (to include POW /MIA research), advanced Army logistics systems, and tactical combat operations. Colonel Sobieski was commander of the Army’s first maintenance battalion for the M-1 Abrams, the 703rd Maintenance Battalion in Kitzingen, Germany. Colonel Sobieski achieved a career milestone in becoming the commander of the Anniston Army Depot in 1987.  Colonel Sobieski served in both the Vietnam and Desert Storm conflicts. Colonel Sobieski was awarded the Legion of Merit medal five (5) times, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and 18 other military medals.

In civilian life, Hank worked at Raytheon in multiple government contracting roles supporting NASA. He worked there until his retirement, after which Hank and Jean found their way back to Colorado.

A Catholic mass service will be held on Friday, November 11th at 10:00 a.m. at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Broomfield, Colorado. A memorial service and reception will be held at Ft Myer in Arlington, Virginia on a date to be announced for interment at Arlington National Cemetery.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate on behalf of Col. Henry Sobieski. Please use marksobi1@gmail.com for the recipient email.