Donald Virgil Soderquist

Donald Virgil "Don" Soderquist was born June 2, 1944 in Hastings, Minnesota the son of Floyd and Dora (Furney) Soderquist. Growing up in Minnesota, Don developed an early love of ice fishing. He would spend most of his early years in Minnesota where he loved the outdoors, received an education and began learning the value of hard work. It would also be there that he married and began a family. Altogether, welcoming seven children into his life. As a career, Don worked mostly as a roofer. This was his main career in Minnesota and even when the family relocated to northeastern Oklahoma. He later found employment with Baker Hughes in Tulsa. When not at work, Don could be found working on his train collection. In later years, he might even watch a little TV. His favorite shows being: "Street Outlaws", "American Pickers" or something on the History Channel. In addition, he enjoyed listening to classic country music, talk radio and spent many hours reading his Bible or other Christian books. Described as upbeat, loving, tender and always willing to help, Don loved to talk, and he loved making others laugh. At the same time, Don's kids knew that there were lines they couldn...[more]

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cross. They knew they were getting close when they got 'the look' from their dad and most of the time they decided to retreat and do something different! However, it was their dad that they turned to when they needed to smooth something over with mom. Don was known for a few of his famous sayings. When those around him began complaining, he would say, "Oh, you sing so pretty!" When he was afraid a lighter moment might turn into something a little more difficult he would warn, "First comes laughing, then comes crying." A homebody, it was pretty much impossible to get Don to leave the house or take a trip. He would rather just be at home with his beloved dog, "Buddy". (He even had a few different "Buddies" through the years). A few things that Don's family will always remember about him include: he always drove with two feet, he would choose goulash over a steak and he poured ketchup over everything. Don passed away on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Bixby. He was 74. Don will certainly be missed by those family members who survive. They include: a sister, Judy Linnell from Minnesota; five children: son, Doug Soderquist of Inola, OK; daughters, Denise Quammen and Kathleen Merkt both of Beggs; daughter, Kandy Treat of Morris and son, Donald Soderquist, Jr. of Inola. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren that he referred to as, "little goobers." He was preceded in death by: his parents; a sister, Barbara Sanford; two sons: Ricky Lee and Keith Allen Soderquist and two grandsons: Bradley James Merkt and Brian Ricky Lee Quammen.