Stephen (aka Esteban) Sobjack was our MAD3 SCIENTIST by his sheer love of knowledge, learning, imagination, and passion for the sciences, life, and nature. He had no stiff boundaries when it came between anyone in need of cheering or comfort and a laugh. He loved uncomfortable outbursts if it made someone crack a smile and put them at ease. He could find humor in the most mundane life circumstances or the strangest of random facts. His recent hobbies included disc golf, mushroom foraging, a solid game of chess, various role-playing adventure games, the arts, cooking, painting, and being immersed in nature.
Stephen had a passionate love affair with iced tea, cheese, and any delicious and spicy food. He had a brilliant creative mind and an extensive arsenal of fun facts that no one will ever recite as well as he could. He would throw a snappy statistic out on a dime, leaving everyone laughing, if not confused, and/or intrigued. He was a survivor— take him anywhere, you better believe he had some kind of MacGyver tools to fix or navigate anything. Steve loved like a hurricane, had a heart of gold, and a loyalty of kings.
Born and raised in Eastpointe, Michigan, Stephen was a 1994 graduate of East Detroit High School. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked for Progressive Insurance as a Training Specialist. He was a talented teacher, and his trainees appreciated his humor and kindness. In 2005 he moved to Columbus, Ohio, with his former wife, Laura, in order to further their respective educations. Stephen graduated from The Ohio State University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Science, and he applied his laboratory skills in a position with Owens Corning as a Materials Testing and Safety Technician. In 2019 he moved back to Michigan, where he worked for the City of Warren as a Wastewater Laboratory Technician. Stephen had specialized in Water Science while studying at The Ohio State University, and he was excited to be able to pursue his twin passions for science and environmentalism in this position.
Stephen is survived by his son, Noah Winter Sobjack, and his daughter, Helen Renee Sobjack. He shared his love of disc golfing, chess, and Magic with Noah, and Noah loved the time he spent learning these games with his dad. Stephen had a big imagination, and he and Helen especially enjoyed arts and crafts and creative play together. He was proud of his children. He encouraged their love of learning, and he wanted them to enjoy life to the fullest.
He is survived by his father Frank (Linda) Sobjack, sister Kristin (Joseph) Maddens, brother Matthew (Josephine) Sobjack, sister Kaitlyn (Kyle) Jackson. Nieces and nephews, Matthew, Liam, Coltyn, Gia, and Callie. Steve is also survived by an extensive family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and a multitude of loving friends. Steve is preceded in death by his loving mother, Odelia "Dee" Sobjack.
The arrangements are being held at Kaul Funeral Home, Roseville, MI on April 2nd, 2023. Open viewing for immediate family from 1-2 PM; public service, 2-8 PM and Vigil, 7-8 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kaul-fh.net for the Sobjack family.
