John Soley, age 76, of Eau Claire died on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in the reflection wing of Dove Healthcare-West Eau Claire.

John was born on May 10, 1939, to Henry and Mary (Ward) Soley. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1959. He married Patricia Schofield on June 4, 1960, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church.

John began work at Johnson Printing in March of 1960. He worked there for 40 years, retiring in 2000. Retirement wasn’t for him. He owned J.P. Forrest Products and also worked for the Pleasant Valley Tree Farm, the Scharlau family, until one month ago.

John had a hobby farm, where he felt the most at home. He enjoyed woodworking in the basement of the house in the winter, building many beautiful pieces of furniture. Summer was for being outside in the garage doing something, spending time with little one, his beloved border collie, Nicki 4, or drinking a Diet Pepsi and having a cigar and “shooting the breeze.” He enjoyed snowmobiling and traveling with Patricia and dear friends, John and Diane Welsh. He loved his Ford trucks and IH tractors.

John was a member of St. James the Greater Catholic Church. He had a very strong faith and donated his woodworking talents to make birdhouses and furniture.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughter, Teresa Soley Schultz; grandson, John (Amber) Schultz; great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Levi Schultz; cousins, Arthur (Patti Ann) Soley, Jr, Dan (Cherri) Kelly, Michael Soley; and very special friends, John and Diane Welsh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mary Soley; parents-in-law, Fred and Doris Schofield; two special cousins; and beloved border collies, Nicki’s 1, 2, and 3.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital and Dove Healthcare West and South, for the wonderful care that they gave to John.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th Street in Eau Claire, with Father Tom Krieg officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. with a Prayer Vigil at 7:30 p.m. at the WEST CHAPEL location of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N. Clairemont Avenue in Eau Claire, and again one hour prior to the Mass Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire.

To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at http://www.lenmarkfh.com.