Agnes Soetmelk

 Agnes Elizabeth Soetmelk was born on February 11, 1926, in Magnolia Township, Harrison County, Iowa 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 February 21, 1996.

 Agnes was baptized in September of 1929 at the Magnolia Methodist Church. She strengthened her faith journey further by being confirmed on January 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, December 11, 2024, at Salem Lutheran Home in Elkhorn, Iowa 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, Iowa and Anne and her husband Richard Liddick of Bellevue, Nebraska; son, Gary Soetmelk and his wife Kathy of Avoca, Iowa; seven grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

 Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.