Marion Socolofsky Obituary

Dr. Marion David ""Soc"" Socolofsky, a resident of Baton Rouge and a native of Marion, Kansas, died Friday November 2, 2012 in Baton Rouge. He was 81 years old. Born September 23, 1931 to A.L. and Mary Belle Reneau Socolofsky, he was the youngest of four children and the youngest of 35 first cousins. After early years in Marion, he moved to Manhattan, KS, where he met his lifelong sweetheart, Esther Green, and graduated from Kansas State University. After graduating, he entered the US Air Force, received Masters and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Texas and served at Eglin AFB. In 1961, he joined the faculty at Louisiana State University and became chairman of the Microbiology Department in 1968. Over the next three decades, he taught more than 13,500 undergraduate students, served on more than 60 Ph.D. committees, chaired numerous committees relating to the sciences at LSU, including the committee that gained funding for construction of the Life Sciences Building and another that coordinated acquisition of a scanning electron microscope. He was active in the American Society for Microbiology and its South Central Branch, the Louisiana Society for Electron Microscopy, Sigma XI, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and the LSU Science Club. In 1991, he was named an Alumni Professor at LSU and in 1992 received the Outstanding Teacher Award in the College of Basic Sciences. The Microscopy Facility at LSU is named in his honor. A lifelong athlete, he played softball into his 60's and Senior Olympic basketball until the day of his sudden decline. He was an active member of University United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir, served in leadership capacities and supported the development of more than 1,000 youth. As photographer, videographer and an unofficial archivist, he generously preserved and shared with others records of university activities, church history, musical performances, weddings and special events. Survived by his wife Esther, daughters Kathleen Socolofsky Gregoire (of Davis, CA) and Mary Sue Ingraham (of Scottsdale, AZ), sons-in-law Bob Gregoire and Paul Ingraham, grandsons John and David Ingraham, sister Mildred Lindholm, sisters-in-law Helen Socolofsky and Ruth Stockinger, brothers-in-law John Lindholm, Jim Graham and Alden Stockinger, 8 nephews, 9 nieces and 14 great nieces, 14 great nephews, 5 grand nieces and 12 grand nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, his brother Homer and his sister Dorothy Graham. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., Thursday November 8, 5-7 pm; Funeral Services 11 am Friday, November 9, at University United Methodist Church, 3350 Dalrymple., conducted by Dr. Van Stinson. Interment will be in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Dean Kevin Carman, Dr. William Hamilton, William H. Patrick III, Dr. Henry Patrick, Robert Socolofsky and David Stockinger. Visit www.rabenhorst.com to sign the online register book. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the M.D. Socolofsky Memorial Fund at University United Methodist Church, 3350 Dalrymple, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 or the Marion D. Socolofsky Memorial Fund in the LSU Foundation, 3838 W. Lakeshore Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. A special thanks to his fellow Senior Olympics basketball players, Baton Rouge General Hospital and Hospice of Baton Rouge for their loving care.

Published by The Advocate from Nov. 4 to Nov. 9, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Marion Socolofsky

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Love you UM
Jennie

JENNIFER SIMS

Family

October 29, 2023

My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Soc's family. He was a role model for all who came through Microbiology at LSU. He taught us all many lessons including that a part of our responsibility is to teach the next generation. I feel incredibly lucky to have known him.
PhD Microbiology - Class of 1998

Mark Ott

November 23, 2012

Mary Sue and Kathleen, I was sorry to learn about your dad's passing from Richard Ingraham. I have good memories of Dr. Soc, even though I did drop out of microbiology class! I hope your good memories will sustain you through this sad time. My thoughts are with you and your families. Kathy Crossin, LSU '78

Kathryn Crossin

November 15, 2012

Aunt Esther, Thinking of you and Kathleen, Mary Sue, Bob and Paul and the boys.

Jennifer Sims

November 10, 2012

Dr. "Soc" wasn't just any professor. His gentle and nurturing nature will never be forgotten by generations of students. Many thanks, Dr. "Soc", for launching my life's work and for the pride you expressed in all of us who passed through your classrooms. May God speed.

Susan Salter Newman

November 10, 2012

My heartfelt condolences to the family.
I was a student worker in the Microbiology Dept.'s office from 1977- 1981. Mr. Soc was a gentle kind man whom I admired greatly. I'm so sorry
for your loss.

Mary Seymour

November 9, 2012

Dear Esther,
I was saddened when I heard about Soc's death. I recall that time when the two of you travelled to see Soc's brother before his brother died. It was such an honor to serve as yours and Soc's pastor. You and your family are in my prayers.

Steven Spurlock

November 9, 2012

Dear Esther, So many memories when you think back to college days, remembering how obvious it was that you were "crazy in love" with Soc. We heard his name mentioned lots at the Tri Delt house! At our 50th K-State reunion, Marty and I had a great time that night at dinner at the same table - talking about those days! Prayers for you and the family. Love, Doris and Marty

Doris & Marty Pankratz

November 9, 2012

We loved you Soc.
John larkin

November 9, 2012

Dear, dear Esther, Just a note to let you know that I am thinking of you and hop ing that your grief will gradually turn to peace as you are surrounded by friends and Family and so many good memories. You were my dear Delta Mom so I guess Soc was my "Delta Dad". My love to you. Mary Quinlan Wingate

November 9, 2012

Dr. Soc was always there to give a kind work and a smile of encouragement to ALL the graduate students in Microbiology. Prayers for you all in your time of loss.

Renee Tullier

November 9, 2012

Dan Jones

November 9, 2012

To Esther, and all who knew and loved Soc, my thoughts and prays are with you.

Frances Watson

November 9, 2012

My condolences to my friend Mary Sue and her family. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have known Soc. I will miss seeing him in his LSU purple, rooting for his favorite team.

Mary Hamway

November 8, 2012

I am heartbroken over the loss of such a wonderful, loving man! Soc was always there with his dry wit to crack a joke! He and Mrs. Soc served as an example for me of what love, marriage and partnership looks like! I miss him already! So much love to his wonderful family!

Jennie Porth

November 8, 2012

Kathleen, Our U- high class of '75 will be forever grateful to your dad for filming the historic senior play, L'l Abner. He was able to capture wonderful memories for us all. We will all be laughing for a lifetime. My love to you and your family.

Lauryn Cocreham Hanley

November 8, 2012

My condolences to Dr. Soc's family. I enjoyed my time in his classes, and he was a great teacher.

Dr. Fred Klug

November 8, 2012

I enjoyed my few but good times with Soc. He was a wonderful person and will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.

Austin Ross

November 8, 2012

You have always been a distinguished colleague at our chair's meeting.We miss you.

Ram Iyengar

November 7, 2012

Seeing the photo of Dr Soc brought a big smile to my face. What a great human being! He was a terrific mentor when I was a student worker in Microbiology. He will be missed, but memories will always make us smile and feel good. Mrs Soc, Kathleen, Mary Sue and families -- we are blessed to have known him!

Jan Middleton Wallace

November 7, 2012

Dr. "Soc" was my absolute FAVORITE professor at LSU and being present at his very last Micro 2051 lecture class was an honor. He was a great teacher, an avid basketball fan, and a wonderful human being! The world needs more people like him and he will be missed!

Tana (Lege) Pittman

November 7, 2012

Mrs. Soc, I am so sorry to hear about Soc. He has been such a blessing to the families of UUMC as you have also been. God bless you and give you comfort.

Sherry Moore Curry

November 7, 2012

Esther, I am so sorry to hear of Marion's death. He was one of the nicest people I ever met and what a wonderful life you had together. God bless you and your family.
In Delta love. Phyllis Brown Goering

November 6, 2012

Esther, I'm so glad that Phyllis Brown sent me "Soc'" obituary. I remember both of you fondly. I'm so sorry to hear that he is gone. I know you will miss him terribly. Just hope you can also remember such wonderful memories and know you were fortunate to have such a wonderful man for so long. I'll be thinking of you on Fri. Much love and prayers go out to you. Mary Jo Bryant Gould

Mary Jo Gould

November 6, 2012

tony and i were in graduate school in microbiology at lsu in the '60's and were well acquainted with dr. soc. we know that many were influenced In a very positive way by him. we extend our condolences to his family and have all of you in our thoughts.
tony and jeannine (stout) kaufmann, san antonio, texas

November 6, 2012

Soc's influence extended across the country. He brought great joy to many of us in Arizona. What fun to discover his connection to our family and to know the great influence he had on so many! Our thoughts are with Esther, Mary Sue, Kathleen and all of their family. We are thinking of you! Susan,Paul, Prescott and Windsor Smith

November 6, 2012

Soc was undoubtedly one of the first people I met when I came into this world in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Only later, when both of our families moved to Baton Rouge, did I realize this. As a child it was great to spend time with Esther, Mary Sue, and Kathleen. I thought of Soc as a friendly uncle. I had no idea he was a Professor of Microbiology. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that he would become my mentor when I was a Zoology major at LSU. He was a great guy. We will miss him.

Mike Ward

November 6, 2012

Dear Esther, Shep and I were so sorry to read the news about Dr. Socolofsky's death. You and your family are in our prayers at this time and our thoughts will be with you as you go through this difficult time. God Bless you all. Kay Platt

Shep and Kay Platt

November 5, 2012

Mrs. Soc, Dr. Soc was a great man whose life influenced us all. His home-coming leaves a void in our midst. Much love to you all and prayers for comfort.

Lisa Turnbull

November 5, 2012

Soc - an inspiration for me and so many others. I'll never forget the love and support he provided for us in Chapel Choir.

Cary Simms

November 5, 2012

Very seldom in life do you meet a couple like Doctor and Esther Socolofsky who make a lifetime positive impact on your life. He truly is an example to men on how God would have us live. You will be missed.

Chris Campo

November 5, 2012

Esther,
"Dr. Soc" will always be in my thoughts and prayers. He was a wonderful mentor and friend during the years that I knew him. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Joan Prejean

November 5, 2012

What a great and wonderful man!! He was like a father to me growing up.. always active and great humor.. I loved him and the Socolofsky family.. He will be missed by many people.. That I am sure of but I am equally as sure he is in God's loving arms right now..

Linda Jennings

November 5, 2012

What an honor and a privilege to know the Socolofsky family. I may live in Texas, but my heart is with you all! God bless and all my love.

Shay Meyer

November 5, 2012

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Cynthia Shill-Schultz

November 5, 2012

So very sorry to learn of Soc passing. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Evans Roberts

November 5, 2012

Esther and Family
I can truly say that Soc was one of the finest persons I have ever met. He was a wonderful friend, a dedicated Christian husband and father, an outstanding scientist and community leader. We will all miss him and we are all better off from having known him. God bless you all.

Pat and Bill Bailey

November 5, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. Dr. Soc was an incredible man, and he will be missed by everyone that knew him. We enjoyed spending time with him during his visits to Arizona.

God Bless,
Ray, Bryan, Harrison, and Hayden Fox

November 5, 2012

Joy Muwaswes

November 4, 2012

Love to you, Aunt Esther, and your girls. From one of your flower girls.

Jennifer Sims

November 4, 2012

My deepest heartfelt condolences to the Socolofsky family. It was an honor and a privilege to have had Dr. Socolofsky as a guiding force in my life and career. He was a truly remarkable man and will be so very deeply missed.

With deepest sympathies,

Cheryl

Cheryl A. Nickerson
(Ph.D., LSU Dept of Microbiology, 1994)

Cheryl Nickerson

November 4, 2012

My heart goes out to you, Esther, Kathleen, Mary Sue and all the family and friends who knew and loved Dr. Soc. The legacy he leaves will be carried on in countless ways for many generations. Personally, I will always remember Soc as someone who genuinely extended care and concern for all whom he met. I will treasure the memories I have of many celebrations shared and as each of you garnish your favorite stories may you find solace as you mourn his death and celebrate his life. May God's peace be with you.

Mary Finnin

November 4, 2012

Gratitude upon gratitude for your life.

William Finnin

November 4, 2012

We love you Uncle Soc! You have been so incredibly faithful as our family historian, cheerleader, and great angel food cake maker! You are our angel!
We cherish all of the memories and great family occasions...you and Aunt Esther have always been there for all of us. What a team! Wow!
Betsy, David, Brayden, Elizabeth, & Caroline Bell

November 4, 2012

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