In Memory Of
Charles D. Sodergren
1934
2021
Charles D. Sodergren
February 16, 1934 — February 15, 2021
Charles Duane "Chuck" "Sody" Sodergren, age 86, passed away on February 15, 2021. Charles was born in Topeka, Kansas on February 16, 1934.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles A. Sodergren and Florence Johnson Sodergren Hanson, his sister, Audrey Lou, who died in infancy, and his wife of 60 years Myra.
Surviving is a sister, Barbara Apps and four children; Janice Greenlee (Rick), Jane Lewis (Curt), Steve Sodergren (Jenny), and Janeen Horton (Bob). Also surviving are ten grandchildren; Brett Henry (Janelle), Brooke Ralph (David), Erin Lewis, Heather Klamm (Josh), Breanna Lewis, Sydney Cochran (Tim), Joe Sodergren, Andie Sodergren, Audrey Horton, Trey Horton, and nine great-grandchildren.
Charles graduated from Topeka High School in 1951, from Bethany College with a BA degree in 1956, and from Kansas University with a Master of Education degree in 1962.
He served in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman during the mid-1950's. He worked ten years as a public swimming pool manager, lifeguard, and instructor.
He was a teacher and coach at Spring Hill High School and Lyman Grade School, and principal at Dover Grade School, East Indianola Elementary School, and Logan Jr. High School where the gym is named in his honor. In 1995 after thirty-eight years he retired as an educator. In 2019 he was honored by the Seaman Alumni Association and inducted into the Seaman Hall of Fame.
Chuck was a long-time active member and past president of the Sunrise Optimist Club of North Topeka and founder of the Jr. Viking basketball, softball, and baseball programs. Charles was an active member of the North Topeka On The Move Association (NOTOMA) and the North Topeka Historical Society. He was once designated "Honorary Mayor of North Topeka" and was an active member and past-president of the Topeka Area Retired School Personnel (TARSP). He was a life-long member and past president of the Church Council of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Chuck was a published author/poet and enjoyed sharing his many thoughts and philosophies through writing. He was a super fan of all of his grandchildren's sporting events and activities. He also spent many years delivering Meals On Wheels.
Charles will Lie In State at Parker Price Funeral Home Friday, February 19, 2021 from noon until 5:00 pm. The family will not be present.
Private funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church followed by interment at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be donated to Trinity Lutheran Church, 725 SW Buchanan Street, Topeka, KS 66606.
A public celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles A. Sodergren and Florence Johnson Sodergren Hanson, his sister, Audrey Lou, who died in infancy, and his wife of 60 years Myra.
Surviving is a sister, Barbara Apps and four children; Janice Greenlee (Rick), Jane Lewis (Curt), Steve Sodergren (Jenny), and Janeen Horton (Bob). Also surviving are ten grandchildren; Brett Henry (Janelle), Brooke Ralph (David), Erin Lewis, Heather Klamm (Josh), Breanna Lewis, Sydney Cochran (Tim), Joe Sodergren, Andie Sodergren, Audrey Horton, Trey Horton, and nine great-grandchildren.
Charles graduated from Topeka High School in 1951, from Bethany College with a BA degree in 1956, and from Kansas University with a Master of Education degree in 1962.
He served in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman during the mid-1950's. He worked ten years as a public swimming pool manager, lifeguard, and instructor.
He was a teacher and coach at Spring Hill High School and Lyman Grade School, and principal at Dover Grade School, East Indianola Elementary School, and Logan Jr. High School where the gym is named in his honor. In 1995 after thirty-eight years he retired as an educator. In 2019 he was honored by the Seaman Alumni Association and inducted into the Seaman Hall of Fame.
Chuck was a long-time active member and past president of the Sunrise Optimist Club of North Topeka and founder of the Jr. Viking basketball, softball, and baseball programs. Charles was an active member of the North Topeka On The Move Association (NOTOMA) and the North Topeka Historical Society. He was once designated "Honorary Mayor of North Topeka" and was an active member and past-president of the Topeka Area Retired School Personnel (TARSP). He was a life-long member and past president of the Church Council of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Chuck was a published author/poet and enjoyed sharing his many thoughts and philosophies through writing. He was a super fan of all of his grandchildren's sporting events and activities. He also spent many years delivering Meals On Wheels.
Charles will Lie In State at Parker Price Funeral Home Friday, February 19, 2021 from noon until 5:00 pm. The family will not be present.
Private funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church followed by interment at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be donated to Trinity Lutheran Church, 725 SW Buchanan Street, Topeka, KS 66606.
A public celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles D. Sodergren, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
In State
Friday, February 19, 2021
12:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)
Parker-Price & Davidson
Guestbook
Visits: 13
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors