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CRYSTAL FALLS -- Calvin "Cal" Soderberg of Crystal Falls, born Jan. 18, 1935, passed away on Oct. 27, 2026, surrounded by the family who cherished him.
Cal was 91 3/4. He insisted this 3/4 of a year was important -- as he was almost 92! He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Edna Soderberg; and sister Arlene (Soderberg) Martin.
Cal is survived by his wife of 67 years and high school sweetheart, Betty (Sjostrom) Soderberg; daughter Beth (Rob) Smith; son Garth (Allison) Soderberg; and daughter Joan (Scott) Sodini. He was the proud grandfather of seven amazing grandchildren: Ben Stefanek, Katie Stefanek, John Stefanek, Kyle (Maggie Patterson) Soderberg, Elle (Grant) Papineau, Nathan Sodini, and Jillian Sodini. He also leaves many special close friends and relatives.
For more than 60 years, Cal and Betty's beloved home on the lake was a gathering place for family celebrations, holidays, and everyday moments together. Cal loved spending time with his family, taking pontoon rides and riding his John Deere lawnmower. Cal's mission was to keep the lake yard mowed and manicured. He was also inspired by the landscapes and wildlife around him, which he recreated in his many works of art.
He also shared his creativity and craftsmanship through numerous woodworking projects made especially for family, creating lasting treasures for those he loved. An exceptional cake decorator, Cal transformed cakes into beautiful works of art for celebrations and special occasions, adding a personal touch to life's most meaningful moments.
Cal devoted 35 years to special education, serving as a speech therapist and special education director. He was instrumental in establishing the first educational programs supporting students with visual, hearing, speech, and learning needs in both Dickinson and Iron counties. A graduate of Central Michigan University, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees, Cal was a lifelong reader and learner who remained curious about the world around him.
He believed strongly in giving back to the educational system and community that had provided him with so many opportunities throughout his life. As lifelong educators, Betty and Cal instilled an ongoing inspiration for learning and took great pride in their seven grandchildren's educational achievements, which included a combined 13 higher education degrees.
Cal thoroughly enjoyed meeting people and engaging in conversation with whomever he met. He was rarely without a welcoming smile, a twinkle in his eyes, or a patient listening ear. His kindness touched generations of students, colleagues, friends, and family.
Cal and his family extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Morel and the incredible team at Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson Regional Cancer Center for their care and support. We also wish to express our gratitude to the Marshfield Medical Dickinson Home Health & Hospice team for their compassionate, professional and supportive care.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Calvin Soderberg to support the Dickinson Hospital Cancer Care Fund at Sanford Health-Marshfield Clinic. Gifts may be made online at sanfordhealthfoundation.org or mailed to Sanford Health Foundation-Marshfield Clinic, 1000 N. Oak Ave., 1R1, Marshfield, WI 54449. Please indicate "Dickinson Hospital Cancer Care Fund in memory of Calvin Soderberg" with your gift.
Cal leaves us all with a legacy of kindness and we are all better people for having known him.
A private family service will be held later.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.