"Happy Valentine's Day, Dad! Miss seeing your happy and kind face. ?"
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 14, 2019 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. Burial is in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Emmetsburg. The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 13, 2019 at the Joyce Funeral Home where there will be a rosary at 3:30 p.m. and a parish vigil service at 7:00 p.m.
Gerard C. "Jerry" Soenen son of Maurice and Martha (Noppe) Soenen was born January 14, 1925 in Ghent, MN. He attended Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Marshall, MN.
Jerry was united in marriage to Florence Timmerman in Minneota, MN on September 7, 1950. To this union, eight children were born, including Greg (Liz) Soenen of Goldfield, IA, Bob (Jane) Soenen of Emmetsburg, IA, Tom (Sue) Soenen of New Hampton, IA, Ken (Karen) Soenen of Rockwell City, IA, Mary Lee (Dave) Orr of Emmetsburg, IA, Geriann "Annie" (Gary) Vaske of Bancroft, IA, Julie (Jim) Koeppel of Coralville, IA.
Jerry served in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theater for 18 months with an honorable discharge.
Jerry and Florence farmed in Marshall, MN for thirteen years before moving to Emmetsburg, IA where they purchased Deep Rock Truck Stop. After retiring, Jerry drove school bus for the Emmetsburg School District for twelve years and all of the children loved him.
Jerry was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Knight's of Columbus and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2295.
Jerry enjoyed woodworking, playing cards, collecting coins with his grandson, Joel and having coffee with friends. Gatherings with family on many occasions, especially Easter and Christmas, were what he treasured most. Jerry was dearly loved by his family and friends and cherished by his Emerald Oaks family, his card playing buddies, and his best fishing buddy, Bob Hamerlinck. He loved to make memories on the many family fishing trips they took to Canada. Jerry had a quick wit, but not a sharp tongue. He was kind to everyone, and he never met a stranger. His warm and infectious smile will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
On Monday, December 9, 2019, Jerry passed away at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Florence, who he honored for sixty-nine years; six children, their spouses and daughter-in-law Sue; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, (Bob and Marie Hamerlinck); three sisters-in-law Angie, Mary, and Madeleine Timmerman; and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Tom; an infant son, Steven; his parents; mother and father-in-law; two brothers; four brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, and three nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Palo Alto County Hospice.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Dad! Miss seeing your happy and kind face. ?"
"So Sorry To Hear About Your Loss I did not Know Jerry, but I Remember You Bob :) from Grade School. So sorry to hear about Your Dad. Stay Strong Buddy, and Maybe One of these Days We hook up for a Beer. Prayers and Condolences to You and The Rest of Your Family."
"Florence and Family, Mom called me last night and said that Jerry had passed. I remember knowing Florence and Jerry since the late 1960's. We lived across the street and their older boys would come over and baby sit us. I also remember Jerry driving the big old Deep Rock fuel truck. Later on I worked with Jerry in the Painting Business. We had a lot of good conversations trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I think he gave me good advice. If there is whiskey in Heaven, I'm sure Dad and Jerry are enjoying themselves. Peace be with you."
"Mary Lee and families, I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. Your Dad was such a friendly gentle man and a friend to everyone. Jim enjoyed visiting with him and your mom. He will be missed by many."
"Soenen Family ~ My Deepest Sympathy to you all! I didn't know your dad personally but I know he raised a wonderful family. We had the privilege to know his daughter, Annie and her family. They were a big part of our family. Ben and Joel put twinkles in my parents eyes and a huge smile on their face. They were always there for them no matter the time or place. Knowing we are thinking of you all at this difficult time. Sending you lots of ? and prayers. May God put his loving arms around each of you! ? Lisa"
"To the Soenen Family...We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Pat and Kathy (Frambach) Kliegl"
"Jerry was my bus driver when I was a little girl living in the country. I loved to jump on the bus and say hi to him every morning...he was so sweet & warm. I'm sure I forced a hug or two upon him as well. :) I am so sorry for your family's loss of this gentle soul. I lift you up in prayer for peace & comfort. Much Love, Torrie O'Leary"
"To the family of Jerry You have my deepest sympathy. He was a great example of a kind, warm hearted man. He will be missed. Love and prayers to all"