Bradley Warren Sodergren

Brad Sodergren, 71, passed away on February 17, 2025 after a one year hard-fought battle against cancer. 

He was born on July 15,1953 in Duluth, Minnesota to Wayne “Pat” and Barbara Sodergren. He graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1971 and attended the University of Minnesota Duluth. Brad followed the UMD Bulldog hockey teams and enjoyed ski-jumping in his youth at Chester Bowl in Duluth. 

He moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 1978 to begin a career in finance where he met his future wife, Sylvia Peña and the two were married on September 5, 1981. They welcomed their first daughter, Blair in 1985; followed by a second daughter, Monica in 1992. 

Brad was an avid golfer and often selected to represent his employer on a Pro-Am team at the Principal Charity Golf Classic. He golfed every Sunday with a group of devoted golfing buddies in the heat, rain or cold weather. 

Being a foodie, he enjoyed testing new recipes on his family and was most excited cooking Italian cuisine and grilling. Being from Minnesota, he, of course, loved listening to a playlist of the artist formerly known as Prince, always saying: Turn it up! 

Brad is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sylvia; daughters Blair (Kevin) Riesselman, Monica Sodergren; granddaughter Avery Riesselman; his parents Pat and Barb Sodergren; brothers Scott (Jane) Sodergren and Keith Sodergren; a niece, nephews, cousins, aunt and uncle. 

A visitation will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Saturday, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale, Iowa. 

In lieu of flowers, any contributions will benefit Brad’s grandchildren’s education. 

Immediately following the service, a gathering will be hosted by the family across the street at Brad’s favorite watering hole, Down Under Bar and Grill, 8350 Hickman Road, Urbandale, Iowa.