FREDRICK G. SOUKUP

A Celebration of Life for Fredrick G. Soukup, 89, of Wagner, will be held Wednesday, May 15 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Wagner. Private family burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church Tuesday, May 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary/Scripture Wake service at 7 p.m. Peters Funeral Home of Wagner is in charge of arrangements.

Fredrick G. Soukup was born in Wagner, August 30, 1934, the son of Joseph and Helen (Kocer) Soukup. He passed away Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Good Samaritan Society in Scotland.

Fred was born and raised on the family farm four miles south of Wagner. He spent much of his time helping his father and brother tend to the livestock and crops. Fred made it to the 8th grade before his family needed him home to work the farm. He took a great pride in raising and finishing cattle as well as showing them.

He married Florence Varilek October 28, 1961 and to this union they had four children: Janette, Patrick, Ann Marie, and Matthew. While being a farmer, husband, and father, he still found time to enjoy many activities in life such as: bowling league, Knights of Columbus, church choir, Saddle Club, cattle round ups, Co-op, irrigation, township, and many pinochle parties. The best time spent was fishing by himself or with family, especially Uncle Mike and friends. That love of fishing sent him to Canada where he would troll for the great walleye or northern, each time bringing home a cooler of fish and a story to go with each other.

He will be remembered for being outgoing and sociable. Traveling the country and spoken to so many different people, he had a wide perspective on life. There was not a person he would not talk to or share a joke with. He was always there to lend a hand, a smile, and advice if needed. Most of all, he was so very proud of his children and what they accomplished in life. And then, seeing the wonderful things his grandchildren were up to.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Florence; children: Janette (Tracey) Gunderson, Patrick (Kristi) Soukup, Ann Marie Lutz, and Matthew (Nely) Soukup; grandchildren: Aaron, Keegan, Kaden, Gavin, Alec, Abbey, Dina, John, and Joseph; sister-in-law Shirley; two nephews; and one niece.

Fred was preceded in death by his infant daughter; parents Joseph and Helen; brother Lawrence; and niece.