Lionel "Chub" Sorgatz

Lionel Jon “Chub” Sorgatz, age 63, of Mankato, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota due to complications from ALS.

Chub was born on January 25, 1960, to Delbert and Betty (Ferch) Sorgatz in Faribault, MN. He attended Waterville Elysian High School and was a member of the Graduating Class of 1978. He was united in marriage with Maureen Clare Baker on May 8, 1982 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Elysian. Together they had two children, Holly and Taylor.

Chub worked at the Kilkenny Creamery, United Steel and Four County Ag in Waterville before moving to Mankato. He worked in sales for many years at State Distributing/Miller Brands of Mankato and at Tire Associates in Mankato. He was well known by his customers for his kind, easy going personality and listening ear. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and had served on the board for the Mankato Area Hockey Association.

Chub enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He was a hockey fan who actively followed the Minnesota Wild, Minnesota State Mavericks and whatever team his grandchildren were playing on each season. He and Maureen owned a lake cabin on West Battle Lake in Ottertail County and enjoyed gathering there frequently with family and friends. His grandchildren were his absolute pride and joy, and he treasured his time and talks with them. Chub was always more than willing to help anyone in need and showed his love and care for others through acts of service. His quick wit, wisdom, work ethic and humility were well known aspects of his personality to those who knew and loved him. 

Chub is survived by his wife, Maureen Sorgatz; daughter, Holly (Troy) Evans of Mankato; son, Taylor (Krista) Sorgatz of New Brighton; grandchildren, Morgan and Brynn Evans and Landon and Bennett Sorgatz; father, Delbert Sorgatz; siblings, Scott (Mari) Sorgatz, Val (Dave) Skiba, and Tanya Sorgatz; mother-in-law, Mary Ann Baker; in-laws, Theresa (Robert) Schwartz, Colleen (Jeff) Keough, Scott (Kathy) Baker, Pamela Baker, and Sarah (Greg) Lubansky; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Sorgatz; father-in-law, Gerald Baker; and brothers-in-law, Neil “Pat” and Aaron Baker.

Visitation will be held from 4-7pm, Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary. Memorial Mass will be 10am, Friday, June 2, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Following the graveside service at Marysburg Catholic Cemetery in rural Madison Lake, family and friends are invited to a reception at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church hall, Marysburg. Please share a memory of Chub with his family, view his video tribute, and watch the service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com.