Michael E. Soderberg

1947 - 2016

September 19, 1947 - December 13, 2015 Michael Edward Soderberg was the oldest of the four children born to Will and Mary Margaret (Hagan) Soderberg. His mother was originally from Dallas, Texas. His father was a decorated WW II veteran who served in the 10th Mountain Division in the European theatre and after the war was a successful businessman in retail clothing. Mike spent his early years in Pasadena. While at St. John's Seminary in Los Angeles Mike played football and was a good student. After leaving the Seminary he attended UCLA and was active in the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He finished first in his pledge class. Upon graduation, he went to work for the County of Los Angeles as a recruiter in ten western states. He also worked with the Sheriff's Office on their promotional examinations. On December 4, 1971 in St Basil's Cathedral in Los Angeles Mike and Leurie Walker were married. Leurie is a Registered Nurse. They soon moved to Upland, California where their two daughters were born, Kristen & Bethany. Shortly after the marriage he joined the Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Sheriff. During his 33 years with the dept. he worked his way up serving in the Custody and Patrol Divisions. As a Captain he was in charge of the Crime Lab. In November 2001 he was promoted to Chief of the Detective Division overseeing all major investigations including homicide, narcotics, family abuse, commercial crimes, as well as a variety of other fields. He managed a staff of over 800 investigators and professional staff. Hundreds, if not thousands, of police officers owe their advancement, at least in part, to Chief Soderberg's mentoring.. He touched many lives, both personally and professionally, and will be greatly missed. Active in a multitude of philanthropic causes, including the Red Cross, American Youth Soccer and the Wounded Warrior Project, Soderberg was honored with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Distinguished Service Medal, the Career Achievement Award and the UCLA Public Service Award In his spare time he loved being a devoted "papa" to his grand daughter and daughters. He also enjoyed bird hunting in Canada, UCLA sports, travel and anything Hawaiian. Mike leaves his daughters Kristen Soderberg, Bethany Poe, his son-in-law Steve Poe and his grand daughter Savanah Poe. He also leaves his brother Bob Soderberg, his sisters Patty Pico, Chris Soderberg and his former wife Leurie Soderberg. Per his wishes, there will be a private celebration of life ceremony for family and friends. In lieu of flowers consider a donation in his name to the UCLA fund or The Wounded Warrior Project.