Carl Richard Soderberg

Carl Richard Soderberg---beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and devoted friend, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, at the age of 98. A man of boundless energy and profound faith, Carl dedicated his life to the service of others, leaving a legacy of compassion that stretched from the rural fields of Iowa to the heart of Albuquerque.

Born in Essington, Pennsylvania, to Swedish immigrants, Carl grew up with a deep sense of heritage and an early calling to the ministry. After serving his country as a Morse Code Operator in the U.S. Coast Guard, he followed his vocation to Western Theological Seminary (now Pittsburgh Theological Seminary). He also earned a master's degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh.

His ministry began as a youth pastor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, followed by service as Synod Consultant in Christian Education for the Illinois Synod under the Board of Christian Education of the United Presbyterian Church. Carl's career was defined by active, hands-on service. After working as an Educational Consultant to the Synod of Minnesota, he was ordained as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Paullina, Iowa (1978-1983). There, he became a cornerstone of the community chairing the town's Centennial Committee, training as a volunteer EMT, and partnering with local farmers to provide livestock to help feed the hungry.

In 1983, Carl moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he served as Director of Development at Menaul School before becoming Pastor of Rio Grande Presbyterian Church. It was here that his vision for caring for the community took its most enduring form: along with the Rio Grande congregation, he founded the Rio Grande Food Project, a vital food pantry and urban garden that remains a community hub today. Carl also served as Stated Clerk for the Presbytery of Santa Fe and as Parish Associate at First Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque. His commitment to his adopted city extended into many years of service as a Police Chaplain and as a volunteer with Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), supporting first responders.

Carl was a true polymath, a man of deep curiosity who never stopped learning. His interests and expertise were as broad as they were varied; he was as comfortable repairing small engines or practicing taxidermy as he was tending his prized orchids and African violets. A master of the Soderbee apiary, he spent more than 20 years as a devoted beekeeper, sharing his signature honey with neighbors. He also took pleasure in making homemade wine.

He found great joy in hospitality, frequently hosting his exercise group for his famous sourdough pancake breakfasts. His artistic spirit was equally tireless, ranging from wood carving and jewelry making to intricate cross-stitch and hand-built micaceous clay pottery. This love for the arts led him to establish the Festival of Crafts and Folk Arts at Ghost Ranch in the early 1970s, a place that remained dear to him throughout his life.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean; and his brother, Leonard Marvin. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; his sister, Ingrid; nephew, Jeffery; and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Carl's memory will be carried forward by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rio Grande Food Project, continuing the mission Carl helped begin decades ago.