Agnes Elizabeth Soetmelk was born on Feb. 11, 1926, in Magnolia Township, Harrison County, to parents Edward and Frieda Marie (Hansen) Radtke. She graduated from Magnolia High School in 1943. Agnes was united in marriage on July 15, 1944, to William L. Soetmelk at Zion Lutheran Church in Magnolia. They were blessed with over 50 years together before Bill’s passing on Feb. 21, 1996.
Agnes was baptized in Sept. of 1929, at the Magnolia Methodist Church. She strengthened her faith journey further by being confirmed on Jan. 19, 1947, at the Zion Lutheran Church. Throughout her life, she remained a steadfast member of Zion Lutheran, where she generously dedicated 13 years of service as church treasurer. In addition to her religious commitments, Agnes was an active participant in various area service clubs, where she enjoyed volunteering and helping others. She loved to spend time in the kitchen canning or baking and everyone went home with something, quite often an apple pie that she made that could be baked at home or a plate of cookies. Most of all, Agnes cherished visits from her family, grandchildren and friends, and sharing her love and wisdom with them.
Agnes died on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at Salem Lutheran Home in Elkhorn, at the age of 98 years and 10 months.
Agnes is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; and son-in-law, Gary Jones. She is survived by her two daughters, Paulette Jones of Woodbine and Anne and her husband Richard Liddick of Bellevue, Neb.; son, Gary Soetmelk and his wife Kathy of Avoca; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Logan.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine is in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
