Vernon E. Soeken

Vernon E. Soeken, 79, of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at UPH-Trinity, Rock Island. He was born November 21, 1939 in Lyons, Kansas, the son of Edward and Mildred Voight Soeken. Vernon attended the Concordia Teacher’s College, Seward, Nebraska before receiving his Master’s in Education from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas. He was the Director of Christian Education/Principal at Immanuel Lutheran School, Rock Island. Vernon will be remembered as the beloved giver of the best underdogs during recess. . He enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing and camping. Vernon was a member of the Chordbusters Barbershop Chorus, and enjoyed playing the accordion. He was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Island. On January 25, 1964, Vernon was united in marriage with Karen Hadden in Menlo Park, California. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his children, Kevin Soeken and wife Amy Jo of Moline, IL, and Lori Gittinger and husband Eric of Alton, IL; grandchildren, Taylor and Makenzie Soeken and Gracie Gittinger; step-grandchildren, Niccole Wilson and Sarah Armstrong; and step-great grandchildren, Grant, Paige, and Hanna Wilson, and Makenna, Brady and Jaemeson Armstrong. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services was held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Island, IL. Graveside services will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons, Kansas, with Pastor Kenton Abbott officiating. Memorials may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Island, IL in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

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