Hugo Lyle Soendker Jr.

Hugo Lyle Soendker, Jr., 87 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at his home. He was born at home on Wednesday, December 30, 1936 in Higginsville to the late Hugo Soendker Sr. and the late Mary Ellen (Schieber) Soendker. He was a graduate of Higginsville High School. Hugo met Margaret Bailey as a child during a corn cob fight. They were married on May 12, 1956 at Salem United Church of Christ and they spent 63+ years together. She preceded him in death on January 1, 2019. Hugo was a lifetime farmer, regardless of where he was. He drove horses, picked apples at an orchard as a young man, worked for the Sweet Springs Shoe Factory, and did carpentry work. After getting married they moved to California. He worked for General Mills while there. They returned to Missouri a few years later. After returning, he built houses for a short time as well as excavation work for other local farmers. Hugo was well known for his hay baling for hire. He was proud to be on his fourth baler and have over 20,000 big round bales on that counter. Hugo was a lifetime member of Salem United Church of Christ in Higginsville where he was baptized, confirmed and married. He served as a Youth Fellowship Sponsor, cemetery committee, memorial committee, church council President, and food pantry worker. Hugo’s father, Hugo Sr. had the responsibility for ringing the church bell and young Hugo would often accompany his father to the tower. Hugo was a lifelong resident of Higginsville, his friendship and caring nature will be forever missed by all who came to know him. The family extends a sincere thank you to Hugo’s co-workers, friends, coffee shop buddies, and neighbors over the years with whom he always created special bonds. This includes their utmost appreciation to Tim and Sara Frerking and family, whose care and compassion in recent years went beyond simply neighbors. Surviving are two sons, Roger (Rose) Soendker of Indianapolis, IN, Greg (Lisa) Soendker of Odessa, MO; one daughter, Debra (Scott Schlick) Soendker of Liberty, MO; two sisters, Julianna (John) Justice and Cynthia (David) Blausey; four grandchildren, Ryan (Lauren) Soendker, Racheal Soendker, Shannon (Arence) Gowe, and Skyler (Quincie) Schlick; six great-grandchildren, Allie and Avalee Soendker, Lucie and Chloe Gowe, Sterling and Quailin Schlick; two step-grandsons, Greg Lents and Randy Lents with their families; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret (Bailey) Soendker; one brother, Henry Soendker; two sisters, Anna Mary Soendker and Dorothy Hanson; one brother-in-law, Leon Hanson; one sister-in-law, Shirley Bertz; one step-grandson, Mark Lents. The family will receive friends from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Salem United Church of Christ, located at 1500 N. Main St. Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Salem United Church of Christ. Interment will follow in Salem Cemetery. Casket bearers: Ryan Soendker, Racheal Soendker, Arence Gowe, Skyler Schlick, Vince Soendker, Tim Frerking. Memorials may be made out to Salem UCC or charity of your choice.

Hugo Lyle Soendker Jr.

December 30, 1936 - February 6, 2024