Obituary of Karl I. Soderberg

Karl Ingemar Soderberg, a long-time resident of Lacey, Washington died October 13, 2010 at the age of 86. An only child, Karl was born July 24, 1924 in Leksand, Sweden. He came to national prominence in his native Sweden when he played semi-pro ice hockey from 1941- 1948. Today, Leksand is considered the “Hockey Capital” of Sweden.In 1948, he immigrated to the United States, where he resided in San Francisco for 40 years working in major construction, as a union foreman carpenter. Among his many professional accomplishments was building the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) tunnel, the science building at California State University, San Francisco plus many other construction projects in the Bay Area. An avid soccer player for 14 years, including playing the position of goalie, Karl also coached the San Francisco Swedes soccer team. As a result of his athletic prowess, he received many trophies, medals and accolades for Alpine skiing both in Sweden and the United States. He attended the Olympic Games in Squaw Valley, CA in 1960. After retirement, Karl and his wife Barbara traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. In 1989 they retired in Lacey, Washington. They were active in the Swedish Vasa organization and activities at the Presbyterian Church. Karl is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Barbara; daughters Linda LaBrue (Terry) and Rosemary Morgan; brother in-law Robert McEachern (Marcia); four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, many nephews and nieces. Memorial donations to Westminster Presbyterian Church are welcome. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.