Robert Joseph Soukup

Robert was born on March 15, 1933, in Scotland South Dakota to Ladislavf and Miriam Soukup. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Scotland.  A few years were spent in Portsmouth, VA when Bob’s mother was drafted during WW II.  The family returned to Scotland and at 17, Bob was on his way to Spring training with the Cubs.  Next stop was the Mexican League and from there Spring training with the Yankees.

 The service was next.  He enlisted in the Air Force and served in Korea during the Korean War.  After his departure from the Air Force he returned to Scotland, marrying his first wife Sylvia Jerke. They had four children.

Bob earned his degrees from Southern Teachers College in South Dakota, Moorhead State and NDSU.  He taught in Fargo and was in school administration at Henderson, Nicolette and Paynesville before accepting a position in Detroit Lakes.

Bob and Merry were married in 1986.  He retired in 1998.  Before retirement Bob was active in Legion Ball and after retirement, coached Girls Softball in Detroit Lakes and Lake Park.  Education and kids were very important in Bob’s life.  Bob will be greatly missed!

Surviving Bob are his wife Merry, his brother Pat (Elaine), his children Marty (Julie), Lisa, Rob (Wendy), Lezlee (Richard) and Angela (Alan), his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Mike and his first wife Sylvia.  

A private family service will be held at a later date.