Nicolai Sowpel

LT. COL. Nicolai Sowpel Sr. (USAF)
Nicolai “Nick” Sowpel, of John Knox Village, Orange City, passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Nick was born in Hartford, Conn., to Emelian and Catherine (Petro) Sowpel. He was raised in Hartford and graduated from HPHS, lettering in basketball as well as football in which he also received a sweater. He was proud to be the youngest member of the 390th Bomber Group in World War II. He participated in the food drops to the starving people of Holland who later in life held a citywide festival in tribute to the squad, which he and his wife attended. He took his military service very seriously but would only share the mischievous capers he partook of. He had several career changes that led him to GE, Sikorsky Air Craft, and then working for the Navy until he retired in 1988. Retirement agreed with him as he and his wife moved from Simsbury, Conn., to Yarmouthport, Mass., and then Palm Coast, Fla. They traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and 42 foreign countries, sometimes taking his children and grandchildren. He was a proud member of The American Legion, the VFW, the New England Club, NARFE, and past president of the Simsbury Lions Club.
He was the patriarch of his family, strong, independent, loving, ahead of his time with women’s rights. He enjoyed his poker games (which he continually invited his daughters to join), crosswords/logic puzzles, football and animals.
Preceding him in death were his beloved wife of over 60 years, Elvia “Ski” Sowpel and his son Nicolai "Kip" Sowpel Jr. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his two daughters: Karen (Ralph) Jacob, and Kimberly (Jeffrey) Lary, two granddaughters: Sarah Jacob (Michael Birner Jr.) and Katherine Jacob, a nephew George (Patty) Sowpel, and many friends at John Knox Village.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Volusia County Humane Society, 800 Humane Society Rd, DeLand, FL, 32720 386-734-2450, or the John Knox Employee Appreciation fund for the excellent care given to him. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com.