Thelma Viola Soderberg

Thelma Viola Soderberg, 89 years of age, of Northglenn Colorado, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 after a short illness. Thelma was born February 23, 1928, in Frontier County near Stockville, Nebraska. Her parents were Omer Kem Guthrie and Maude Mae (Urling) Guthrie. Thelma was one of 15 children born to Omer and Maude. She was blessed to have seven brothers and seven sisters. Thelma completed the eighth grade and soon left home and began working with and helping local area families.

After living with and working for other families, Thelma began working in McCook Nebraska in a drug store. She also worked in the Fallick Bakery in McCook. In 1945 Thelma moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Her sister Alberta had married Albert and they had moved to Sioux Falls. Her sister Florence was also in Sioux Falls at the time. Thelma moved there to accept a job. It was during her time in Sioux Falls that Thelma met Vern Soderberg. They were married on June 4, 1948. Also during her time in Sioux Falls, Thelma completed her formal education by graduating from the Christian Worker Institute after attending the school for two years.

From that marriage Thelma became the mother of six children. Vern and Thelma were the proud parents of Richard, Gary, Charles, Randall, Jane, and Steven Soderberg. Vern and Thelma suffered a great tragedy in 1956 when Richard and Gary were killed in a cave in at a construction site in Sioux Falls. It was an event that impacted and defined Thelma’s life. Her life reflected a great compassion and love for those suffering the painful and sometimes unexplainable tragic circumstances of life.

In 1957 Vern and Thelma moved to Smith Center Kansas, as Vern had been transferred by the John Morrell and Co. The year 1961 brought another transfer and move. This time to Denver Colorado; where Thelma lived until her passing. In Denver, she and Vern raised their four children. She was active in church teaching Sunday school, working in the church nurseries, and being a faithful servant wherever needed or whenever called upon.

Thelma loved her family and looked forward each year to attending the annual Guthrie Family reunion. She was in attendance almost every year. She enjoyed seeing her brothers and sisters there and also her many nieces and nephews. Thelma’s own family grew and she became Grandma to her grandchildren. She also welcomed two daughters-in-law (Connie and Terri). She honestly looked forward to visits from family; especially at Christmas time. All were at home at Vern and Thelma’s house. It was a home filled with love, great food, and laughter.

Those who know her well, knew of Thelma’s expertise in the kitchen. She, as with all the Guthrie women, possessed the ability to create wonderful, creative, and tasty meals, even if the cupboard appeared bare. A few simple ingredients in Thelma’s skilled hands soon become a feast for a king. She also loved to garden and grow fresh vegetables and flowers. She loved music and was often heard singing as she labored at her chores.

Her life was defined by some seemingly simple values. However, they were far from simple; rather they were cornerstones on which she built her life. Thelma’s focus in life was her family and her Lord. She was a faithful Christian who lived out her faith; not in words only, but in action. She was devoted to her family and felt that the highest calling she could have ever had was to be a loving wife and a Mother. Thelma’s life was a testament to her complete dedication to these things she valued most and prized above all else. Thelma understood what was important in this life; and what was not.

Thelma was proceeded in death by her parents, her two sons, and these siblings: LaVerne Guthrie and wife, Barbara, Geraldine Richards and husbands Millard Covey and Leland Richards, Omer Guthrie and wife, Wanda, Alberta Covey and husband, Albert, Garnett Covey and husband, Donald, Alpha Fries and husband, Wayne, Harold Guthrie and Myrna Guthrie; brothers-in-law: Neal Carlson, Clarence “Bud” Rogers, Leroy Maxwell and Wayne Fries.

Those who will celebrate her life are her husband of almost 69 years; Vern Soderberg, sons Charles (Constance) Soderberg of New Mexico, Randall (Terri) Soderberg of Denver Colorado, Steve Soderberg, and daughter Jane Soderberg (both of Denver). Her grandchildren, Deanna, Thomas, Kristen, Ryan, and Nathan. Her two sisters: Florence Maxwell of Denver, Colorado, and Eleanor Rogers of Holbrook, Nebraska; Her four brothers: Jack Guthrie and his wife, Carol of Kearney, Cecil Guthrie and his wife, Donna of Holdrege, Wayne Guthrie and his wife, Janice of Alma, and Dale Guthrie and his wife, Lou Ann of Ragan; sister-in-law, Linda Guthrie of Hastings, Nebraska; and many nieces, nephews, numerous relatives and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery, Thornton, CO.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery, Thornton, CO.