John Soderman

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died December 15, 2024

Gladstone, MI

John A. Soderman (Jack) age 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Transition Assisted Living.

Jack was born on February 7th, 1934 to Alvin (Duke) and Norine Soderman. He was born and raised in Gladstone, MI and graduated from Gladstone High School in 1952. He started dating the love of his life, Patricia Cole, in 6th grade. They would later marry on August 23rd, 1952 and start a family together. Patt preceded him in death on September 15, 2014.

Jack worked in various positions for Soo Line Railroad for over 40 years, retiring as a Conductor in 1992. Along with his wife, he owned and operated a four cottage resort on the family property in Kipling.

Jack and Patt enjoyed spending winters in Biloxi, MS in their retirement years. They enjoyed Sunday dinners with family followed by card playing. Casino trips were also a pastime for him. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, golfing, gardening, yard work and picking blueberries. His greatest joy in life was being in his boat on the lake fishing. As many would attest, Jack a top fisherman.

Jack was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and the Masons. He was a volunteer at Delta County Cancer Alliance for many years and participated in the Walk for Warmth every year. He was a devoted Packer, Tigers and Michigan fan. He could also be found cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events.

Survivors include his children, Gayle (Nick) Sigan, David (Michelle) Soderman, Daniel (Amy) Soderman and Karyn (Sean) Coleman; a brother, Terry (Mary) Soderman; grandchildren, Sean (Jessica), Alexis, Damia, Nick, Daniel, Erik (Teigan), John, Brandon, Josh, Janet, Carrie, Matt, Keith (Connor), Tracie; and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife Patt, he was preceded in death by his parents, sons Keith, John and Gregory; granddaughter Audra; daughter-in-law Wanda; sister Anetta and brother Gary.

Visitation will be on Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will be held at First Lutheran Church at 1:30 PM following visitation. A luncheon will take place in the fellowship hall. To offer an online message of sympathy please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Transition Assisted Living, Dr Erik Rubright, Rhian Dalgord; and caregivers Cheryl and Theresa for the wonderful care he received.

Gone Fishing……

17 Tributes for “John Soderman”

    Jack and Jim Kee were best buddies since early childhood. Their lives intermingled many times as Jim traveled throughout his career. When Jim and Della moved to Rapid River, in 2004, they spend joyous times with Jack and Pat, laughing, telling fish stories (Jack and Jim), talking about Dolls (Pat and Della) and appreciating each other’s company. It was a deep bond.
    During Della’s Celebration of Life, Jack was there the entire time, supporting Jim. When he was about to leave he said, “tell your dad I will love him forever”.
    A couple weeks ago when Jim visited Jack at Transitions Assisted Living, Jim wanted to just sit with Jack, be with him. It was special and precious. Bruce and Kim, son and daughter of Jim, were able to be with Jack as well. We have known him all of our lives and are grateful for that visit.
    He was an extraordinary human being with a great sense of humor. He and Jim bantered a bunch!
    The Kee family will miss your physical presence Jack! So glad you have joined Pat and Della and we suspect they were right there to greet you.

    Jack, a life long friend of our family. Always kind and loving. Whenever I would come home to visit he would bring me perch. He used to play cards with my mom and others. Always a hoot to hear them around the table jabbing at each other. He also worked on the railroad for many many years with my dad. Great man and a great friend to our family. Rest in Peace JackLove and prayers to the family.

    I’m so sorry for your loss. He will be missed. I enjoyed his company on casino trips. Last summer I would pick him up and give him a ride to the yacht club and he really enjoyed that. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see him this past summer.

    Jack, you and Patt live long in my memory as the best in-laws a gal could ask for. Thank you for all the love and support. Thank you for being wonder grandparents for Janet. Thank you for providing great sisters and brothers to me (Aunts and Uncles to Janet). Thank you for all. Much love.

    Didn’t get to fish with you a lot but thanks for showering me all your hot spots on little bay De Noc, I will be thinking of you every time I am on the Bay and the Nama golf course , And by the way you still owe me seventy five cents from are last outing.But old buddy we’re even up . Will miss you!!!!!

    I’m so sorry about Uncle Jack’s passing, but he’s at Peace with your Mom & others celebrating Christmas and the Packers together. He will truly be missed-for his kind and compassionate soul. God Bless, I’ll see you soon! Love you, Carol Ann

    I remember Jack always in the same pew in church, his smile, his walk for warmth, and his love for Patt and missing her . God’s comfort to his family and friends.

    Renting cabins from Jack and Patt in Kipling provided several memorable summers for my family during the kids’ growing years where fishing and boating and larger family gatherings could be enjoyed, along with Jack’s many interactions with us. Both him and Patt were always very welcoming.

    Jack was a faithful member of First Luthern church. Rarely missing a Sunday sermon! I will miss seeing him sitting in his “spot” in his pew! RIP Jack, you will be missed!

    I have such fond memories of Jack. He was a friend of my father, Earl Foster. Every time he would come over to our house to visit he would remark that he planted the cedar tree outside of the kitchen window. Now I own that house and he always remembered when he would come over for dinner or bring me fish or blueberries. Every time I see that tree I think of him.

    Being the kind of Mason my husband and father were, he always looked after me after I bacame a Masonic widow. Anytime I had a problem I could call him and he was there to solve it or knew who could.

    My life was enriched by knowing him. It was an honor to be called his friend. He was one in a million.

    Rest safely in God’s arms until we meet again.

    Jack was one of the BEST railroaders in the country.!! I’ve known him for many years, and sure miss his smiles.!!
    Rest in Peace Jack, and have green lights all the way.!!

    Uncle Jack you will be terribly missed – we made a donation to your church that you were so dedicated to and active in. Ron Foshey,
    Carol Ann Bartoshevich (Foshey & Todd), Cheryl (Foshey) & Jim Holterman

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