| Graduation Year | Class of 1961 |
| Date of Passing | Dec 09, 2017 |
| About | Richard "Rich" W. Soeken, 72, of Evansville, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at Walnut Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center. He was born March 22, 1944, in Lyons, KS to the late Raymond and Leota (Galliart) Soeken. He received his undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and his master's degree in Family Life Ministry from Seward University in Nebraska. Rich served as Director of Christian Education and Youth at his four previous churches and then Called as Minister of Family Life to Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in 1995. He enjoyed every aspect of his work with families. Rich was also involved in all five LCMS Districts and with many National Lutheran Youth Ministries. He was on the Community Marriage Builders board from the beginning, serving in many capacities, including president and presenting marriage seminars with his wife, Rita. He played high school and college football and enjoyed playing golf and tennis. He was great fun and loved by his family and friends. Rich was honored for his volunteer work in every city he served. He had a special bond with several of his Valparaiso Phi Psi brothers, gathering with families every year for 50 years. Rich is survived by his wife of almost 49 years, Rita (Gaertner) Soeken; daughters, Leela Joy (Jens) Voges of Tiburon, CA and Nicole Anne Soeken of Evansville; twin grandsons, Jack Richard and Ryan Peter Voges; siblings, Don (Karen) Soeken, Raymond (Marvlyn) Soeken, Jr., Mark (Janet) Soeken, Diane (Kent) Wyatt, and Donetta (Tim) Birzer; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be 10:00 AM Friday, March 24, 2017, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, officiated by Rev. Tom Wenig. Friends may visit Friday from 9:00 AM until service time at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 1811 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714, LCMS Youth Ministry, sent to your local district, or to KINDLE (youth ministry training), 8608 Poplar Bridge Curve, Bloomington, MN 55437. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com. Funeral Services Provided By: Alexander Funeral Home-East Chapel 2115 Lincoln Ave Evansville, IN 47714 (812) 476-1351 |
