Robert "Bob" Soderman

Robert "Bob" Soderman, 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 after a long illness. He was born in Muskegon, MI May 10, 1935 to Emil and Velma Soderman. He has lived in Jupiter since 1999. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, his three children, sons, Michael of Berlin, Germany, John of Tampa, FL daughter, Randi Soderman of Scottsdale, AZ, grandson, Alexander of Tampa, FL, and Anne Soderman of Belleair, FL. He also leaves behind extended family, Brian (SunOg) Berning of Jupiter, FL, Elaine (Brendan) Smith of Kansas City and Laura (Niall) Berning-Farrell and seven step-grandchildren. Also surviving is a cousin Dick Peters (Ardis) of Muskegon, MI and many friends both in Michigan and Jupiter.

Bob grew up in Muskegon, MI where he excelled in high school football and baseball, later being inducted into the Muskegon High School Football Hall of Fame. He went onto lead as captain of his college football teams at Western Michigan University. Throughout his life he was an avid college football fan, especially following Big Ten football. He never missed watching on a football Saturday. Being active, he enjoyed biking, was an enthusiastic hiker and passionate tennis player well into his seventies. After graduation from Western Michigan, he went onto receive a Masters degree there. He later obtained a curriculum specialist degree from Central Michigan University and a PhD from Michigan State. His career in education began in Chesaning, MI where he taught for one year before being named principal of the middle school. He then went onto Lansing, MI where he became middle school principal in the Waverly School District and from where he retired. He was a thoughtful and caring educator. When traveling to Europe and Asia for pleasure he always made time to visit schools noted for ground-breaking programs. Education and innovational ideas about teaching were always of high interest to him.

The family is extremely thankful to the wonderful, caring staff at Tequesta Terrace who have provided loving support for him over the past year and a half. Also thanks to the great assistance and care of Vitas Hospice in Bob's last months and we will forever be grateful to the kindness of his private caregivers who have treated him like family. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at the Aycock-Riverside Funeral & Cremation Center ,1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Vitas Hospice.

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