James D. Soule

James D. Soule, age 94, of Cannon Falls, died peacefully on Sunday morning, June 23, 2024.

Jim was born on October 3, 1929 in Lefor, North Dakota, the son of Ara J. and Eleanor (Gunderson) Soule. They moved to Cannon Falls when he was one month old.

He went to Cannon Falls schools, graduating in 1947. He was very active in all sports, music, and class plays. He was a member of the first Cannon Falls Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jim married Arletta Martenson on November 11, 1950. He served with the US Army from 1951-1952. Upon his honorable discharge, he went to work as a painter for Northern States Power Company until 1955. He then was employed with Koch Refinery until 1974. He owned and operated Riverview Dairy until 1988, at which time he was semi-retired, doing painting for many people in Cannon Falls.

Jim was active in golf, bowling, fishing, and all of his children and grandchildren's activities. He was a Boy Scout master, on the church council for two terms, a member of the American Legion, church choir, men's chorus, past member of the Cannon Falls Rotary Club, and co-chairman of the committee to build the new elementary school.

Jim enjoyed his many winters in Florida with Arletta, his wife of over 73 years, playing golf and doing oil paintings.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor in 1977; father, Ara J. in 1987; brothers, Bruce in 1935 and J. Scott in 1937; and sister, Doris Caron in 2015.

He is survived by his wife, Arletta; his children, Barb (Ken) Elias of Cannon Falls, Bruce (Jean) of Lakeville, Jim (Sheryl) of Lakeville, Jon (Terry) of Cannon Falls, and Brenda (Dave) Deutsch of Cannon Falls; 9 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; brother, Gary (Sue) of Edina; sister, Elizabeth Nolan of Jordan; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 28 at 1:00 pm, with visitation from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, at First English Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls. This service will be livestreamed and available to watch below.  Lunch and fellowship will follow. Interment with military honors will be at the Cannon Falls Cemetery.

Active urn bearer will be grandson, Aaron Soule. Honorary urn bearers will be his grandchildren, Jenny Jacobson, Jeff Soule, Jodi Stuart, Tammy Meyers, Jackie Arradondo, Shelly Clemons, Brady Soule, and Megan Soule.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First English Lutheran Church and John Burch Park Supporters fund.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in Jim’s service via livestream, you can watch the service on Friday, June 28 at 1:00 pm. It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click PLAY to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.