Robert Lee Soma

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Robert Lee Soma, 76, of Sioux Falls, died on Sunday, May 27, 2012, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. A Celebration of Life will begin at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls. Interment will be in the West Nidaros Lutheran Cemetery, rural Crooks. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 P.M. Tuesday, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. at the church.

Robert Lee Soma was born on September 9, 1935, at Mt. Vernon, South Dakota, to Ole and Grace (Hommersand) Soma. He grew up in Mt. Vernon, Winnifred, and Oldham. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954 and was discharged in 1957 at the rank of Sergeant. Following his discharge, he lived in Sioux Falls until moving to Baltic in 1965. Bob was a craftsman all his life. He farmed in the Baltic area for 20 years, and worked at John Morrell’s for 38 years until his retirement in 1997. He moved to Sioux Fall in 1985.

Bob married Dorene Baker on June 3, 1988, at Hope Lutheran Church, in Sioux Falls. He was an avid birdwatcher and took pride in his home, yard, and all endeavors. Bob was a member of the American Legion and Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. He loved to read and would especially enjoy books on South Dakota and World War II history. He loved his country and was blessed with three children and three step-children. Bob was well loved by all who knew him. A stranger, to Bob, was someone he had not yet met.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Dorene, Sioux Falls; children: Gary (Sarah) Soma, Rosemount, MN, David (Lisa) Soma, Tea, and Kathleen (Karl) Person, Omaha; step-children: Kari (Don) Jennings, Hartford, Steve “Chico” Baker, Yankton, and Jeff (Leah) Baker, Barnesville, MN; 17 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; siblings: Elaine Espedal, Mitchell, Marilyn Jerde, Sioux Falls, Arvin Soma, Fairmont, and Betty Jorgensen, Spearfish; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Ardis, Myrna, Norma Jean, Richard, Howard, and Merrill.