James Soukup
James Soukup, age 93, of Decorah died Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at his son’s home in rural Waukon of natural causes. Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, July 30 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville with Rev. Donald Hertges officiating. Interment was at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery, Spillville with Military Rites by American Legion Clarence Bily Post #467 of Spillville.
James Carl Soukup was born October 16, 1924 on a farm between Spillville and Protivin, the eldest son of Carl and Regina (Woldan) Soukup. He attended Sumner #1 country school near his home and helped on the family farm prior to volunteering for the U.S. Navy in 1944.
James was a Seabee in the Navy, stationed in the Aleutian Islands for much of his tenure operating maintainers and bulldozers. He enjoyed telling the story of ascending a volcano on the island with three buddies and a sheet of tin so that they could slide down toboggan-style.
It apparently was more exciting than expected, and only the tin arrived all the way at the bottom of the peak.
Upon his discharge in 1946, James began farming on a property about a mile west of home. April 21, 1948 James married Mary Andera at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville. James and Mary raised grain, cattle, hogs and chickens over the years, until retiring in 1989.
They sold the farm and moved into a house they built in Decorah shortly thereafter.
James loved playing cards and was well-known for can picking along the roadways of Decorah, which netted him exercise and a little spending money. He and Mary also greatly enjoyed traveling with friends to Czechoslovakia and on several bus tours of the United States.
Survivors include three children: Diane (Peter) Kriener of Ft. Atkinson, Karen (Darrel) North of Krum, TX and Todd (Jan) Soukup of Waukon; one daughter-in-law, Lesley Harwood of Richland, WA; nine grandchildren: Deb (Kerri) Langreck of St. Lucas, Arlen (Annette) Kriener of Ft. Atkinson, Jeremy (Samantha) Kriener of Ft. Atkinson, Denise (Kurt) Zirtzman of Ryan, Sara (fiancé Jake Shaw) Kriener of Nora Springs, Lisa (Steve) Nelson of West Branch, Jesse (fiancée Emily Hobbs) Soukup of West Branch, Daren (Amber) North of The Colony, TX and Shonda (Scott) Walthall of Haltom City, TX; one granddaughter-in-law, Kaiya Kriener of Ft. Atkinson; 12 great-grandsons; four sisters-in-law: Marcella Soukup of Calmar, Doris Andera of Ft. Atkinson, Darlene Andera of Spillville and Janet Andera of Cresco; and numerous nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, in 2011; his parents, Carl and Regina (Woldan) Soukup; one son, John; two grandchildren, Annette and Peter Kriener; and one brother, Marvin, Sr.
James’ family would like to express its deep appreciation to the staff of Hospice of Winneshiek County for their care and attention during his illness, and to friends who generously brought gifts of food and companionship.
Casketbearers were Arlen Kriener, Jeremy Kriener, Kyle Langreck, Bradley Kriener, Jesse Soukup and Steve Nelson. Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, Decorah assisted the family with arrangements.
