Clarence Soukup

Clarence J. Soukup was born on April 2, 1918 near Sleepy Eye, MN the son of Michael Bertha (Kachelmeier) Soukup. He grew up and attended country school in Brown County. After his schooling Clarence worked on the family farm for a few years. In 1942 he joined the U.S. Army, being the first volunteer in Brown County after Pearl Harbor was bombed. He served until he was honorably discharged after the war in 1946. Clarence married Myra M. Zwach on November 30th, 1944 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. After Clarence returned from military service the couple lived and farmed in the Sleepy Eye area for many years, settling on Myra's family's home farm. Myra preceded him in death in 1971. Clarence continued to work on the farm until his health failed. He moved to the Country Side Apartments in October of 2005 and later to the Sleepy Eye Care Center. He was a life member of the Sleepy Eye VFW and a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church and KC's in Sleepy Eye. He enjoyed reading, fixing things on the farm and especially spending time with his family. Survivors include his children, Lance (Dawn) of San Mateo, CA, Douglas (Shirley) of Palmdale, CA, Stephen (Beverly) of New Ulm, Bernard of Sleepy Eye, Ronald (Donna) of Courtland, Bonnie (Larry) Beckler of Bird Island, Michael (Jane) of New Ulm, Lynn of Sleepy Eye, Laurie (Ralph) Bemmels of Fairfax, Larry (special friend Mary Jo Blickem) of Sleepy Eye, James (Sandi) of Sleepy Eye, Charles of Sleepy Eye, Lisa (special friend Anne Manning) of Austin, TX, 27 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, sister,Verna Scharfencamp of Franklin, sister-in-law, Delores Soukup of Sleepy Eye and brother-in-law, Joseph Zwach of Mankato. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Myra, brothers, Wendelin and Francis, sisters, Irene and Evelyn, and brother-in-law, Paul Scharfencamp.