Richard "Dick" Soter

1932 - 2018

Richard "Dick" Soter 1932—2018
Richard "Dick" Soter, 86, of Rockford, passed away March 21, 2018, from a long-term illness, surrounded by his loving family. Born February 24, 1932, in Rockford, Illinois; the son of William Soter and Bernice (Kizer) Soter. Dick attended and graduated from East High School in 1949. He married his loving wife, Shelby Johnson on May 21, 1955, and they enjoyed married bliss just short of 52 years, as Shelby passed away May 10, 2007. They were inseparable, very much in love, and very family oriented. Dick worked at Amerock and loved playing basketball and fast pitch softball in the Industrial League. He was a record .400 former batting champion for the Blackhawk AC's in the fast pitch, SWANI leagues. He also played very competitive fast pitch softball for Baltic Lodge (state champs), Rockford Reds and Cherry Valley Merchants. Dick coached youth basketball and baseball for many years. He was one of the founders of the first baseball field, Carlson Field, for the Rockford Boys and Girls Club. He invented the Soter Wheel for 4, 5, and 6 year olds coach pitch and received a lifetime achievement award from the Rockford Boys and Girls Club. Later on Dick turned from coaching to scorekeeping and statistician for youth hockey and baseball. He invented a plus/minus for baseball and was famous for his stats which earned him the nickname "Stat Man Dickey". Dick had a great sense of humor and submitted his creative captions to the Rockford Register Star for many years. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy in 1959. He also bowled in several leagues over the years. His enjoyments were golfing, fishing, dancing, yearly family vacations up north in Minocqua, Wisconsin and working on his stats. He enjoyed Elvis, Vince Gill, George Jones, and Loretta Lynn's music. He especially liked old country, gospel, and bluegrass music. Dick was a loyal Cubs and Bears fan and loved to watch the games. After Amerock, Dick worked at H.C. Johnson Press as a salesman, co-owner of Sporting World, partner at Tom Harmer Athletic Equipment and from 1985 on he was self employed and owner of Dick Soter Carpet and Furniture Cleaning. Dick "Papa" and Shelby "Munga" were very active with their loving family of four children, 11 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He attended as many of their school, sporting, and family events as possible. He idealized, worshiped, and was so proud of them all. In the later years, the joy that the grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought gave a whole new meaning to life. Survivors include his four children, Sheri Soter, Susie (John) Schiro, Sheila (Steve) Ronan and Doug (Mignon) Soter; grandchildren, Harmony Goodman, Heather Goodman, Nicky Galloway, Megan (Justin) Windham, Matthew Ronan, Elizabeth Soter, Alex Schiro, Richie Ronan, Brock Soter, Jessie Schiro and Frankie Schiro; great-grandchildren, Aliyah Goodman, Abigail Aaronson, Isiah Glover, and Ronan Windham; sisters, Joanne (Don) Carlson and June (Pat) Keller; sisters-in-law, Cindy Soter, Doris (Gary) Bushaw and Juanita Johnson; brother-in-law, Ray Frank; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his wife, his parents, brother, Dave Soter; sister, Janice Frank; stepbrother, David Soter. Special thanks for the love, care and compassion of the staff at River Bluff Nursing Home, especially Lawonda, Mary, Glenda and Ashley. We would also like to thank Molly from hospice.
At the request of Dick, please wear your favorite baseball cap to his visitation. Funeral service 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 Mulford Rd., Rockford, with Reverend Angelo Bonaquisti of First General Baptist Church of Rochelle officiating. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 26, 2018, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.