Patti Dee Soderberg
Patti Dee Soderberg
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Patti Soderberg Obituary
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Nancy Haselow
December 11, 2023
I still think of Soda often -- with sadness in loosing her but always with a smile remembering the times we had together and her indomitable spirit. She will be forever in my heart.
Debbie Soderberg Kirchner
August 7, 2023
Patti was a second cousin. We met at St. Olaf as we were p.o. partners! We lost touch after college! My very late condolences to her family and friends!
Rozlynn Schack
November 22, 2010
I remember Patti from my St. Olaf days. She was the captain of our volleyball team. I was just a freshman but I was amazed by Patti. She was smart, athletic, and full of fun. She was a wonderful role model for me. I have thought of her often through the years remembering her infectious smile and positive energy. I had just decided to look her up via facebook and was shocked to find out she had passed away a year ago. Words can't express the loss of such a bright spirit. I'll miss you Patti! May you take comfort in all the joy she gave to others.
Kari Nilsen Vanderbilt
February 10, 2010
I just read of "Coach Sodie"'s passing in the Blake Alum update today. I was one of the lucky ones to be taught in the classroom by Ms. Soderberg, coached in the outfield for women's softball, and challenged by her as she took a small group of high schoolers on a ski trip to Europe in 1982. Patti had also recently taught my niece at Blake as well. I am so sorry for your loss and wish you peace in the days to come.
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Bill Rattunde
February 5, 2010
Dear Jim,
Patti will always be remembered as the instigator of social magic. Whether it was hosting an impromptu sauna and dinner for 30 or inviting a lone foreign student into your home and great circle of friends, she brought people together. She carried her flame of life out front, held high, blazing.
All the times skiing, biking, hiking and just being together with Patti and you have been some of our happiest memories. I will miss the pure charm of her laughter and wit. Our daughter Erika will always cherish the Grumpy Frumpalis stories she created...and fearless way she had of still being a kid.
We must keep her flame, that still persists in us, alive.
Nancy Warren
December 31, 2009
Patti will be remembered for her energy, passion and love of the outdoors. She had a smile that was contagious. On several occasions, she brought students from the Conserve School to Michigan, where we hiked in search of wolf tracks. Patti taught by example. I am a richer person for having known her, my deepest sympathy to her family.
Tom frid
December 21, 2009
I knew Patty from church. We all miss her very much.
riemke brakema
December 21, 2009
Patti, roomie at kayak school, sister in the eddies. Many good laughs and deep soul experiences. Braving life and its challenges. You are a teacher. Too soon you have left this life, but a profound touching impression you leave us with. You shall be missed and remembered with sadness but also a smile and a caution about how fragile life really is. My thoughts and wishes for strength are with Jim and your family.
Courage Center
December 20, 2009
On behalf of the staff at Courage Center, please accept our condolences on the loss of Patti. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Anne C.
December 20, 2009
I knew Patti through church. She was a very kind and giving person. May you find pease and serenity at this very difficult time. Patti will be remembered by many she touched with her loving spirit. I am very sorry for your loss.
Kathy Greene
December 20, 2009
Dear Jim, Patti touched so many lives with her loving spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone in Patti's life.
MaryBeth Petesch
December 19, 2009
Our lingering memory of Patti was the sauna and snow rolling experience at the up north home. A group of graduate students from UW sharing a wild and crazy time away from the stresses of classes and papers frolicking away the weekend thanks to Patti and Jim's graciousness. What a great memory to have of a live-life-to-the-fullest kind of woman. Loved her laugh! John and MaryBeth, Oshkosh, WI
Emma Hynes
December 19, 2009
Patti lived the full width of every day and she did so with passion. It is so sad to have an inspiration taken from us so young. I'll miss her dearly.
Maria Rattunde
December 19, 2009
Sauna Godess, I will miss you, always welcoming, always sharing, our enchantress of all wonderful things Swedish. How I will remember and miss sharing with you the sauna showers, swedish meatballs, hiking and nordic skiing on Loki's run, big dinner parties, New Year's Eve, mountain biking on the Hidden Lakes Trail, the laughter you brought engaging (my daughter) Erika and all visiting kids, the intense Scrabble games, the mystery novels, the swims to the Island on Franklin Lake with Bill, the Azores and sailing on Calliope to Lisbon, the soccer games, I can go on and on... But most of all, I will miss your wonderful smile and the love you shared. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our lives. I will never forget you.
Amy M
December 16, 2009
i met Patti a little over a year ago, and would see or talk with her on an almost weekly basis. she was tenaciously intellectual. when i learned from a mutual friend that she had died, i was dumbstruck. it is terribly sad. i wish i'd been able to make a fraction of the difference in her life that she has made in mine.
very, very sorry for your loss.
December 16, 2009
Completely shocked and saddened at the news of Patti's passing. Patti was my 9th grade science class table mate and first real non-male skiing buddy going back to 7th-9th grade ski trips, NASTAR, etc. Didn't know it then but our special camraderie and competitiveness played a big part in my own lifetime passion for the sport. It's been 35+ years but one never forgets. We are with you in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Pam Borgman
Liza Finkel
December 16, 2009
Dear Jim, Scott and I are so sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts are with you at this time. All our love. Liza and Scott
Jose Rios
December 16, 2009
Dear Jim, I was a classmate of Patti's at UW-Madison. She taught me all I know about Reebops. I still use her activity guide in my science methods classes at UW-Tacoma. She inspired me to be a better teacher. I was saddened by news of her death. My prayers are with you and your family.
December 15, 2009
Jim,
The Clay Family is saddened to hear of the news of your loss. Patti's presence on McClane Lane and around Franklin Lake will be truly missed.
Our prayers are with you,
John, Jane and Sofia Clay
December 15, 2009
Hi Jim,
Ellen and I are profoundly sorry with the death of Patti. We hold gently the memory of a talented, gracious and humble outdoorswoman who always lit up the room she entered. We wish you well and pray for you during this time of great loss.
Keith and Ellen Sperling
Susie Slack
December 15, 2009
Dear Jim
It was via an email from Jim Stewart that Steve and I learned of Patti's death. I am deeply sad, a small word in comparison to the vibrant and enthusiastic life that Patti shared with everyone. At Thanksgiving, Juli and I watched the video that we made when Patti and I graduated at UW Madison some 20 years ago.It was filled with joy and celebration. May God be with you and grant you serenity and a grateful heart each day.
Fondly, Susie and Steve
Mary Klos
December 15, 2009
I will always be grateful to Patti for being the perfect mother to my children during their growing up time at Conserve School. And I'll never forget how she led the whole school up and out of their seats for some hot Carribean dancing in the aisles of the auditorium on a deep frozen Northern Wisconsin night. Patti is a woman I will always admire and use as a model for my life. I am glad I had the chance to know her while she was with us. It was a blessing to me.
pamela north
December 15, 2009
Dear Doug,
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know your sister, I wish I had. What an incredible life!
My prayers are with you and your family.
Cheryl Iannazzo Cole
December 15, 2009
I attended school with Patti at Richfield. My best memory of Patti was when she was skiing down the slopes at high speeds and loving it. I the novice did my own thing. No one can experience this saddness as Patti's family is. Just know you're cared for by all those who think of you in this time of sorrow.
Sherry Holtzman
December 15, 2009
Patti..always ready for the next adventure,ready for fun! So how many people could we fit in the house for New Years and how high could the kitchen island be piled with food. Sailing across the pacific in your cheap Holiday gas station rain wear.....kayaking in white water and salt water,rolling your ocean kayak with ease.Diving together,skiing,sailing ..always ready for the next fun filled time. Lots of memories sister, especially your sweet,sweet smile. I love you Patti and will miss you. We will all miss you .
Love to you always,
Sherry
Jean Rhoades
December 14, 2009
Dear Jim,
My prayers are with you as you adjust to life without Patti. I attended Richfield High School with her. We were on the volleyball and track teams. She is in my heart and am thankful for her friendship! May God bless you and grant you peace.
December 14, 2009
Doug and George,
We are so sorry for your loss. A young and vibrant life cut way too short. Our love and friendship to you and your whole family.
Gregg and Barb Dovolis
Kay and Otto Scharpf
December 14, 2009
McClane Ln on Franklin Lake will not be the same without Patti. We have fond memories of our biking, skiing, walking, kayaking, golfing and our Hiles St. B Fire Dept. experiences
John Haugen
December 14, 2009
Doug,
So sorry to hear about Patti. I remember Patti as your kid sister when we were high school classmates hanging out together. My condolences to you and the rest of your and Patti's families.
Mary Scheflow Miller
December 14, 2009
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Patti's passing. I was a classmate of hers at St. Olaf -- on her freshman corridor and a housemate senior year. We shared so many good times and I have so many wonderful memories of her. She was an amazing person and a wonderful friend with such enthusiasm for life. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim, Doug, and her entire family.
Sharon (Caple) Kvistad
December 14, 2009
To Patti's family - I was stunned when my mother told me of Patti's death; I still can hardly believe it. I have many, many fabulous memories of growing up together, playing horse show, hanging out and some escapades that our parents still don't know about. I will never forget her. Bless all of you in this difficult time - my thoughts and prayers are with you.
David Grant
December 14, 2009
Jim and family,
Our hearts go out to you on the sudden loss of the love of your life. Lean on each other. Lean on your friends. Lean on God. Know that we are all with you in spirit and prayer. We wanted to be there for you today but the weather has stopped us. Captain, we know your spirit and strength. You can and will make it through this little by little. We hurt for you intensely. Remember we have your back and are here for you always.
Melissa P.
December 13, 2009
Patti, I hope you are at peace and realize what great impact you've made unto others. The world has lost a great beacon of light; we'll miss you so much. I'm glad I got to see you one last time. We've got to live life to the fullest, just like you did.
Val Strachan
December 13, 2009
I was shocked to read of Patti's passing. I coached at RHS when she was a student..she wasn't on my team, but she was always supporting it. Such a ray of sunshine and a positive approach to life. My deepest sympathies to her family and her many, many friends.
Linda Gjerde
December 13, 2009
Dear Doug, I am so sorry to hear about the death of your sister. I want to extend to you and all of your family my deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jan Winther
December 13, 2009
Patti was at Conserve School when our daughters Liz and Sally were there. She was one very special person. May the memories ease the pain of her passing. May we all remember her by doing good deeds and a couple of random acts of kindness.
Val (Cordes) Olson
December 13, 2009
Dear Doug, family, and extended family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
Your Richfield High School classmate,
Jodi James
December 12, 2009
Patti was a warm colleague and an inspiration at Breck School. I enjoyed lunches with her last year, and her enthusiasm during our faculty gatherings this year. She is dearly missed at Breck and we extend our sympathy to her family.
David A. Johnson
December 12, 2009
Too young, too soon, too sad. Soda was too much...a fun loving woman, fantastic athlete (or at least willing to put her body out there throwing caution to the wind), smart, and too good a friend to lose. I choose to remember the times when we had too much fun.
Sandy Holtzman
December 12, 2009
Patti was a dear, dear person who cared deeply about the things that mattered most and worked to inspire others to care as well. I remember her warmth when my son and I met up with her and Jim at the Conserve School. That same warmth embraced us all during a kayak trip in British Columbia to commemorate my sister's 50th birthday. Patti's loving patience with my rudimentary kayak skills and her connection with my young son during that trip are unforgettable. My condolences to her family and my wish to Patti for peace and rest.
Jim Leonard
December 11, 2009
I shared the news of Patti's passing with the faculty in Rehab Medicine at UW-Madison this morning. Those of us here that worked with Jim and knew Patti when they lived in Madison were very fond of both of them. We send our condolences to Jim and to their families.
Allen Brock
December 11, 2009
I was so sorry to hear about Patti's passing. She was a teacher, friend and mentor to my daughter Mandi. Since we met her at Conserve School she always went out of her way to help, guide and inspire my daughter in her education both at Conserve and after and in life in general. She will be greatly missed by all of us. We all are sorry for your loss.
Mary Walesch
December 11, 2009
I remember Patti as being enthusiastic about her work and her students at Breck School. She had a wonderful smile and an engaging personality.
I will miss her and would like to express my deepest sympathy to her family.
Julie Eaton Ordahl
December 10, 2009
Dear Dough & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Julie Eaton Ordahl
December 10, 2009
Dear Doug & Family,
You all will be in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Ruth Bygness
December 10, 2009
I was one of Patti's house mates our senior year at St. Olaf. I will always remember Patti's laugh, spirit, intelligence and generosity. I am terribly saddened to hear of her passing and my thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Mick Fiocchi
December 10, 2009
Jim -
Our thoughts are with you. Patti was a joy to know. Such a combination of intelligence and warmth is rare indeed.
Deb Chimzar-Thorney
December 10, 2009
George and Kids,
I had the utmost memories of my Patti. I was so lucky to have had Patti and her family in my life. I grew up next door to her. I was born in June 57 and Patti was born July 57. Patti and I had the most fun as kids we were Tom Boys together since we grew up with mostly boys in the neighborhood. We did everything together, had wonderful birthday parties for our pets every year, climbing trees, jumping off the roof of our garage into snow banks .... My Patti had the most infectous laugh and always made me laugh. My heart is broken today and she and her family will always remain in my heart forever. I get some sort of peace knowing that My Patti is with her Mom Dee and was welcomed with open arms and she can be at peace now. My Patti was a beautiful, caring, giving friend and like a sister to me. You will remain in my heart. I love you Patti and rest now. Deb Chimzar Thorney oooxxx
Walt Gander
December 10, 2009
Jim, our family is shocked and saddened by your loss.
Our thoughts are with you.
Mick Fiocchi
December 10, 2009
Jim - our best to you from everyone at WXPR Public Radio. Patti was a joy to know, with a combination of intelligence and warmth that is so very rare.
Donna Schleicher
December 10, 2009
I was a secretary at UW when Patti was a graduate student. I loved her spirit and her energy. She was generous in all ways. I'm so sorry.
Angelo
December 10, 2009
Sometimes there are no words. The world is a better place for the joy and care that Patti brought to it.
Jo Klein
December 10, 2009
Patti joined Drumheart (drumming ensemble) in September; that is how I came to know her. What a joy it was to have her in the group! We only knew her a few months, but her incredible enthusiasm, vivaciousness, and generosity made a lasting impression on us all. My deepest sympathies to her family.
Cindy Hillger
December 10, 2009
Patti and I grew up together 1 block apart in Richfield. We played volleyball and softball(she won the Athena award at Richfield High School her senior year) and she taught me how to edit a high school yearbook. I always wanted to be like Patti because she was good at whatever she did and everyone liked her so much.
Our paths crossed again this year because she was my son John's chemistry teacher at Breck School. She was his favorite...he talked about her all the time. John came home Monday with tears in his eyes and told me she was gone.
She touched both of our lives in so many ways and we'll miss her greatly. Our condolences to Doug and the family.
Duane Swedberg
December 10, 2009
I am a cousin of Jim Agre's. I always wanted to be able to get to know Patti better than I did, but our paths didn't cross very often. Her beautiful spirit is such that one didn't need to "know her well", to know that she was a very special lady- Blessed with a special Grace from our Creator that simply shined. May God's Peace be with all whose lives she touched!
Rebecca Severson
December 9, 2009
Dr. Soderberg,
So Sorry to hear about Patti's passing.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Blessings,
Becky Severson
December 9, 2009
How saddened we are here to hear of Patti's passing away. She was one of our dearest friends and our memory of her will always live in our hearts. Our condolences to Jim and all of Patti's family. We love you and will miss you Patti! Nan and Hyde Slatter, BKK, Thailand
Susan Johnson
December 9, 2009
Patti was such a kind, fun, creative, bright and generous friend. I am so glad I got to see her this summer. She was special and had such a positive effect on the lives of others including mine.
Norman Thomson
December 9, 2009
Patti was one of a kind and I, with my family have fond memories of life during graduate school at UW-Madison and her help in coaching youth soccer teams which she did so well for my boys. She as always full of spirit and drive, never like to lose in anything, but it was always with fairness first. And, everybody looked forward to Patti hosting a party with Loki as a guest of honor. Jim, I know the two of you were a real kindred spirit and enjoyed each other so much. The world has been a better place with her presence and she touched so many - her kindness was infectious!
Skip and Wendy Rodriquez
December 9, 2009
Patti has been a long term friend and soulmate. She reached out to Wendy and I as well as everyone she interacted with. There was always fun, food, and great personal warmth. We feel that something important is missing with her passing.
Judy Winiecki
December 9, 2009
Patti and I were at Richfield HS together: She the student, I the teacher. Some kids just stand out, and that she did. Her laugh was infectious. She will be missed on so many levels. Just this fall we attended a U of M volleyball game together, she explaining to me the rule changes. I will keep that time together in my memory.
Patti & Kari at our parents 60th Anniversary party.
Kate Gunderson
December 9, 2009
Patti has been a member of our extended family since she and my little sis, Kari were best of friends as youngsters. It's an understatement to say that her bubbly sense of person and caring for others will be greatly missed. You love you Patti.
Jill Forrey
December 9, 2009
I have always adored my big cousin Patti, and always will. My heart aches and I grieve for her, her family, friends and all the people who's lives have been enlightened by her. May the Lord help us all through this very difficult tragedy, especially Uncle George.
Beth Fiore Kral
December 9, 2009
Patti was a great rec soccer pal in Madison, WI back in the 80's/90's. I am very saddened to hear of her passing.
Nancy Haselow
December 9, 2009
I am in disbelief, still hoping it is not true. Soda was a long time close friend who I have always cherished and always will. We got into (more than) a few tight spots together and I could always count on her to take a risk either climbing up a cliff or taking a steep slope. She was so full of life and adventure, a good friend always.
Kim Schoening
December 9, 2009
Doug and family:
Please know that our prayers are with you during this time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Mark and Kim
Karen Ernst
December 9, 2009
Patti was a huge influence and offered much support for our daughter, Gretchen, while she attended Conserve School as part of the first class of freshmen. She was a friend, coach and teacher and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Patti's family.
Becca Anderson
December 9, 2009
Patti was such a kind person. She volunteered at Community Action tutoring people who struggled with reading. She was always trying to help. She will be missed. Our hearts go out to her family. Becca Anderson
Kristin Markert
December 9, 2009
I met Patti last August. I wish I had had time to know her longer. She was a talented teacher and an interesting person. My condolences to her family.
A wonderful day hiking in Hawaii!
Joni Lucena
December 9, 2009
Patti was such an inspiration to me! We enjoyed our time together in Hawaii, hiking, eating opihi, going to the beach and laughing together. I will miss her so much! My sympathy to the entire Soderberg family!
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