OKEMOS - The passing of Ed Soergel, 92, on Friday, May 18, 2018, marked the loss of a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and community leader. His lifetime of helping others was the result of his profound faith in God and humble pursuit of kindness, generosity and love.
Born December 5, 1925 to Edward and Beatrice (Mitchell) Soergel in South Haven, Michigan, his love for sports, including Okemos High School basketball, the Detroit Tigers, and all things MSU, emanated from his youth where he played football, basketball and served as captain of his high school baseball team.
Following high school he completed ROTC training at the University of Notre Dame and joined the United States Navy. He was commissioned an Ensign in 1945 and assigned to the USS Chilton, a supply ship that delivered equipment and goods while transporting troops and rescuing wounded soldiers throughout the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Upon returning to civilian life, he attended Michigan State College (MSC) where he earned his business degree in 1950. He earned more than a diploma at MSC, because that’s where he met his future wife, Pearl Fulton, whom he married in July of 1951.
He employed his business knowledge working for his father-in-law, Gordon Fulton, at Fulton Radio Supply of Jackson in 1951. In 1955, a second store was opened in Lansing where he served as President/CEO until his retirement in 2011.
Recognized as one of Michigan’s longest active members of Kiwanis International, Ed joined the Kiwanis Club of Okemos in 1955, served as the organization’s President twice, and continued to regularly attend meetings and participate in fundraising projects until the time of his death.
An avid outdoorsman, he organized and led fishing expeditions to help Canada effectively address its fish over-population problem. In addition, he used his cabin on the Garden Peninsula in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as his headquarters, where he annually chased deer when he was willing to step away from his ongoing cribbage game. He regaled in sharing his fishing and hunting stories with fellow coffee mates at Okemos’ infamous Sip ‘N Snack restaurant and later the T&D Coney Grill where he was a regular contributor to early-morning debriefings.
He was extremely proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed cheering them on at their athletic endeavors, school performances and milestone life events. He understood the importance of always being there for family as well as friends.
As a member of Okemos Community Church since 1955, he served on numerous committees, volunteered routinely and welcomed parishioners on many mornings of worship. His commitment to being involved was evident by all the activities he was engaged in at his most recent residence at Burcham Hills Retirement Center in East Lansing.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Pearl, his three-year old son Todd, and two sisters, Lois Bailey of South Haven and Barbara Trezise of Owosso. Survivors include his son Jeff (Robin) Soergel of East Lansing, grandchildren Matt (Mary) Soergel of Grand Rapids, Erin (Bond) Marshall of Williamston, Ross (Shauna) Soergel of Ypsilanti, Jaclyn (Kyle) Frankowiak of Capac, and seven great-grandchildren, Layla, Reece, Evelyn, Shane, Nora, Henry and Charlotte (Charlie). In later years he spent countless hours with his special friend Joan Travis enjoying MSU volleyball games, dinners at Coral Gables restaurant with friends and many other events together.
A special celebration of Ed’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 4, 2018 at the Okemos Community Church. In honor of Ed, memorial contributions should be directed to the Okemos Community Church (4734 Okemos Rd., Okemos 48864) or Kiwanis Club of Okemos (2182 Butternut Drive, Okemos 48864).
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.11.0