Calvin Soendker

Calvin Richard Soendker, 91 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Concordia, Missouri. He was born Friday, July 14, 1933 in Wellington, Missouri, to the late Wesley Soendker Sr. and the late Mary (Baker) Soendker. Calvin was a graduate of Higginsville High School - class of 1951. His parents were tenant farmers instilling a lifelong love of farming in him. He spent many years planting row crops, raising cows, and tending horses. He loved spending time at the Thieman Farms and farming the grounds. He worked as a tractor mechanic for Lafayette County Truck and Tractor from 1958 to 1972, and again from 1981 until retiring in 2001. He married Jeanne (Berry) Soendker on February 24, 2001; they spent twenty-two happy years together. Calvin fully retired from farming in 2012, spending his time restoring tractors, spending time with family and having breakfast with his friends at the Canteen. He took Jeanne dancing every Saturday night and loved going to Eminence, MO every year to trail ride with friends and family. He never really slowed down, you couldn’t even get him to fully stop his truck to talk. He was always on the move and I'm sure as he took his final breath, he looked around and said, "Got to go, got to go!" Calvin's infectious smile and love for life will be greatly missed. Surviving are five sons, Doug Soendker of Higginsville, Mark Soendker of Higginsville, Craig Seevers of Myrtle Beach, SC, Brian (Angel) Seevers of Oak Grove, MO and Chris (Christina) Berry of North Kansas City, MO; one daughter, Susan Snyder of Odessa, MO, two brothers, Larry Soendker of Mayview, MO and Dennis (Monica) Soendker of Lexington, MO; two sisters, Janice Jenkins of Lee's Summit, MO and Esther (Kenny) Dickmann of Napoleon, MO; seven grandchildren, Ryan (Jennifer) Soendker, Cory (Mallory) Soendker, Jessica Lyons, Lindsey (Steve) Blew, Brandon Seevers, Justin Seevers, Eli Berry; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Lawrence (Corky) Soendker, Delbert Soendker, Wesley Soendker Jr., Carl Soendker and Bob Soendker; two sisters, Wahneta Bell and Helen Diestelkamp; one granddaughter, Brooke Snyder. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, located at 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 AM with Pastor Liz Lindsey and Rev. Glenn Elmore officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Calvin Soendker

July 14, 1933 - November 16, 2024