In Loving Memory of Michael F. Sobieniak Jr. — “Mike Cabover Cowboy”

In Loving Memory of Michael F. Sobieniak Jr. — “Mike Cabover Cowboy”

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the family and friends of Michael F. Sobieniak Jr., affectionately known as “Mike Cabover Cowboy,” announce his peaceful passing on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the age of 50. Mike passed away at his home in Toledo, Ohio, surrounded by the tools, memories, and legacy he built with his own two hands—a fitting farewell for a man whose life was defined by craftsmanship, grit, and an unwavering devotion to family, friends, and the open road.

A Life Built on Wheels and Integrity

Born in 1975, Mike was a man who knew early on that he wasn’t meant for a desk job. He found his calling in the roar of engines, the rumble of diesel, and the freedom of the highway. His handle, “Cabover Cowboy,” came not just from his love for classic cabover trucks, but from a way of life—old-school, loyal, hardworking, and proud.

For Mike, being behind the wheel wasn’t just a job—it was a passion. Whether hauling loads cross-country or tinkering in his garage at all hours, he took pride in everything he did. He wasn’t one to cut corners or leave a job half-finished. Friends and fellow drivers respected him for his honesty, his work ethic, and his deep knowledge of mechanics and trucking history.

A Craftsman at Heart

Beyond the highway, Mike was a man of incredible skill. His garage wasn’t just a workshop—it was his sanctuary. A place where he restored old machines to life, customized rigs, and passed on the trade to younger mechanics who were lucky enough to learn from him.

Every tool in that garage had a story, and every vehicle he worked on bore the unmistakable mark of his hands. Those who knew him knew there wasn’t a machine he couldn’t fix or a problem he couldn’t figure out with a bit of determination and some grease under his fingernails.

A Gentle Soul Beneath the Tough Exterior

Though Mike bore the rugged look of a road-worn driver, underneath was a gentle soul. He had a laugh that could fill a room and a heart as wide as the highways he drove. He was a loyal friend, a dependable neighbor, and a source of strength for those around him.

He had a particular soft spot for animals, classic country music, black coffee, and early morning sunrises before hitting the road. He believed in second chances, keeping your word, and always lending a hand when someone needed it—no questions asked.

Deep Roots and Strong Ties

Mike was more than a trucker—he was a brother, a son, an uncle, and a friend. He was the guy who showed up when no one else did. Family was at the heart of everything he did, and he leaves behind a circle of loved ones who will forever carry the memory of his voice, his laughter, and the smell of motor oil that always seemed to follow him.

His passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit lives on in the lives he touched, the machines he brought back to life, and the long roads that still call out his name.

Final Mile, Last Ride

In accordance with his wishes, Mike will be remembered not in silence, but in stories. Tales told around tool benches, bonfires, and truck stops—about the time he rebuilt an engine with a paperclip and a prayer, or how he’d drive through the night just to make it home in time for a family birthday.

To honor his legacy, the family invites friends, fellow truckers, mechanics, and all who knew him to celebrate Mike’s life at a memorial gathering to be held [insert location, date, and time if available].

In Closing

As we say goodbye to Michael F. Sobieniak Jr.—our Cabover Cowboy, we take comfort in knowing that he rode every mile with pride, lived every day with purpose, and left behind a legacy of grit, kindness, and love.

“Keep her between the ditches, Mike. We’ll see you down the road.”

Would you like me to help craft a version for a printed obituary, a Facebook memorial post, or something more formal for a funeral program?