Payson Roundup

Joseph J. Sobotka

Dr. Joseph J. Sobotka, who was born Dec. 29, 1932 in Inman, Neb., died June 24, 2010. He was 77. The son of the late Lewella and Joseph Sobotka, Sr., Dr. Sobotka attended school in the town of his birth. A 1962 graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical School in Omaha, he practiced medicine in Phoenix from 1963 to 1990. From 1990 to 1993 he was administrator of the Health Department of Maui County, Hawaii. In 1979 he married Lois Corpe in Phoenix. The couple established a home in Payson in 2001.
Dr. Sobotka is survived by his wife, Lois of Payson; son, Scott Sobotka of Guthrie, Okla.; daughter, Stacey Sobotka of San Diego, Calif.; sisters, Dorothy Renaux of Scottsdale and Mildred Fox of Casper, Wyo.
Prior to obtaining his medical degree, he was stationed in France with the United States Army, where he served in a medical plant devoted to the manufacture of medical oxygen.
His varied interests included big-game hunting. He was the 67th person to accomplish the Arizona Big Ten Game Animals. His big-horn sheep was the second largest on record and is registered in “Boone and Crockett.”
A horse lover, he raised thoroughbreds and Arabians. He bred and trained the American Grand National Champion Arabian, Galvin, which was also named Canadian Grand National Champion. His racehorse, Doc’s Martini won races at Turf Paradise before being injured.
Dr. Sobotka was a member of Payson of United Methodist Church, the Romeo Club and the Payson Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.
A memorial service will be a 10 a.m., Friday, July 17 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd.

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