Harry R. Soderstrom

Harry R. Soderstrom October 15, 1922 - June 28, 2010 Harry R. Soderstrom, 87, of Taylor Road, died at 12:20 p.m. Monday, June 28, 2010, at Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility. Mr. Soderstrom graduated from Moline High School in 1940, received a B.S. from Bradley University in 1950 and an M.S. from Bradley in 1952. He was a Professional Manufacturing Engineer. In 1945, while in the Air Force, he flew as a pilot in command of a B-24 bomber stationed in England. Harry earned the Air Medal, European Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, the American Campaign Medal and a Victory Medal. Harry completed 28 years of service with Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL. At the time of his retirement, he was a Full Professor and Associate Dean of the College of Technical Careers. He also had been employed as a Process Engineer for General Electric Company in Evandale, Ohio, an instructor at Bradley University in Peoria, IL, a teacher at Trewyn Junior High School in Peoria and a tool maker apprentice and machine operator for a variety of firms in the Moline, IL, area. Mr. Soderstrom was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Hillsboro, Ohio, the American Technical Education Association, American Society of Tool and Manufacturing Engineers previously a certified manufacturing engineer, Swedish American Historical Society, Elks Club, Emeritus Association of Southern Illinois University, American Legion and Professional Manufacturing Engineers. He enjoyed golf, choral singing, recreational reading, using his personal computer and traveling to visit family. He also enjoyed his home workshop and household activities. There was nothing more important to him than his family. Born in Moline, IL, Oct. 15, 1922, Mr. Soderstrom was the son of Andrew Olaf Soderstrom and Ruth Abrahamson Soderstrom. He married Viola Lola Selena Mattila in 1948. She preceded him in death in January 1967. He married Susan McMurtrie in 1973. She preceded him in death in October 2000. Survivors include daughters, Sandra Lynne Aimers and Pamela Gail Soderstrom; stepchildren, Thomas Soderstrom, Vera Ellen Friesen, Andrew Corderman, Irina Soderstrom and Jennifer Soderstrom; grandchildren, Erika Whelan, Erin Rose, Justin Aimers, Bryan Soderstrom, Sarah Soderstrom, Michael Rothfuss and Mark Rothfuss; great-grandchildren, Lola and Noah Rose; and a sister, Evelyn Eckberg of Loves Park, IL. He was preceded in death by a brother, Melvin Soderstrom; and a sister, Esther Liljegren. Funeral Information FUNERAL: 2 p.m. Friday at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with the Rev. John Erickson officiating. CALLING: Friday from noon until service time. BURIAL: Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale, IL. Donations Information Memorial contributions may be made to Hillsboro, Ohio Senior Center, Hospice of South Central Indiana, or the Humane Society.