Michael Sobieniak Obituary; 50-Year-Old Toledo, Ohio Trucking Legend “Cabover Cowboy” Has Passed Away

 

The Toledo, Ohio community and the broader trucking world are mourning the loss of Michael F. Sobieniak Jr., affectionately known as the “Cabover Cowboy,” who passed away peacefully at the age of 50 on Sunday, June 15, 2025. A man whose life was defined by grit, horsepower, and unwavering devotion to family and the open road, Mike leaves behind a powerful legacy built not only through his work but also through his enormous heart.

Born on November 14, 1974, in Toledo to Michael Sobieniak Sr. and Joanne (Kurtzman) Sobieniak, Mike’s journey began with a natural love for machines and motion. From a young age, it was clear that his future was bound to the world of trucking. He wasn’t just passionate about the mechanics — he was captivated by the freedom and purpose of life on the road. His first truck, a 1969 Diamond Rio he drove for Jack Gray Transport, ignited a fire in him that never dimmed. It became the launchpad for a lifelong career in a field where he became both a professional and a mentor to many.

In the early 2000s, Mike turned his passion into enterprise by founding Sobieniak Trucking, a business that stood as a testament to his tireless work ethic, resilience, and determination. What started as a one-man operation behind the wheel of a single rig soon expanded into a thriving fleet under Mike’s hands-on leadership. He was more than just the founder — he was the heart and soul of the company. Known for treating his crew like family, Mike poured his energy into building not just a business, but a brotherhood on wheels.

One particular truck held his deepest affection — his 1982 K100 Kenworth cabover, fondly referred to as “His Baby.” For decades, he lovingly maintained this classic rig, and it was his final wish to take one last symbolic ride in it. That cabover was more than metal and horsepower—it was a rolling piece of his legacy and a tribute to the life he loved.

But Mike’s world extended far beyond diesel engines and asphalt highways. He was a man full of warmth, humor, and strength. His personality was as big as his heart. Mike had a laugh that could fill a room and stories that could captivate for hours. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand — whether it was pulling over to help a fellow driver or mentoring someone new in the business. His loyalty, honesty, and passion earned him admiration and respect from all who crossed his path.

Of all his accomplishments, Mike was most proud of being a father. His children — Kennedy, Ketchen, and Kwin Sobieniak — were the lights of his life. He spoke of them with love and pride, and they were his greatest motivation. Everything he did was for their future, and he worked tirelessly to be the rock they could always depend on. His role as a father, provider, and protector brought him his deepest joy.

He also leaves behind a devoted father, Michael Sobieniak Sr. (Beth Cunningham), sister Lori (Peter) Mendel, brothers Mark and gtChristopher Sobieniak, and beloved niece and nephew Leoni and Noah Mendel. He was preceded in death by his mother, Joanne Sobieniak, whose memory he always carried in his heart.

Friends, family, and fellow drivers will come together to honor Mike’s life on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St., Sylvania, Ohio. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 12:30 p.m. The family welcomes all who wish to celebrate the life of a man who lived boldly and gave everything he had to the people and profession he loved.

In keeping with Mike’s generous spirit, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Toledo Humane Society, an organization dear to Mike’s heart. His compassion extended not only to people but to animals, and he believed in giving back whenever possible.

Michael “Mike” Sobieniak Jr. was not just a seasoned trucker and successful entrepreneur. He was a legend among his peers, a devoted family man, and a reminder that hard work, kindness, and heart never go out of style. His legacy will continue to ride down every highway he once traveled and in every soul he inspired to keep moving forward.

He may have parked his rig for the last time, but the impact of his life will forever echo through the lives he touched and the roads he paved.

Rest easy, Cabover Cowboy. The highway will never be the same without you.