Richard J. Soens, age 89, passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Richard’s life, visitation will be held Wednesday, January 29 from 9:15 to 10:45am at St. Patrick’s Church, 1425 Iowa Street, Dubuque, Iowa followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am with Rev. Dennis Quint officiating. Burial services will immediately follow at St. Johns Cemetery, Placid where military rites will be accorded. A livestream of the funeral mass can be viewed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Richard was born on August 9, 1935, the son of Julius and Mary (Organ) Soens. He graduated from Ryan High School and worked at John Deere for many years. Richard proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960.

On December 3, 1999, Richard married Bea (McDermott) at St. Patrick’s Church in Dubuque, Iowa. Together, they created a blended family of seven children, twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Richard was a hard-working, gentle, and soft-spoken man with wisdom, integrity, generosity, humor and a calming presence. He enjoyed years of playing golf with his buddies, most of whom are in heaven now, though he cherished keeping in touch with his good friend, Joe Wagner.

He was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed watching sports. He also spent time on his computer, particularly searching YouTube, and remained steadfast in his faith and Christian beliefs.

Richard is survived by his wife, Bea; children, Mike Soens of Black Canyon City, AZ,  Jayne (Chuck) DeBrular, of Phoenix, AZ, and Tom Soens of Delhi, Iowa; step children, Fran (Steve) DeJong, David Bisenius Jr., and Joe Bisenius; grandchildren, Tyler Soens, Cody (Kimber) Mueller, Kara (Austin) Maxwell, Jason Mueller, Jacob and Matthew DeJong, Brady and Cody DeBrular, Garrett (Katie) Bisenius, Zachary (Callyn) Bisenius, and Gabrielle Bisenius; and great-grandchildren, Liam and Brian Mueller, Marshall and Kamdyn Soens, and Thalia Bisenius.

He is also survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Rev. Joseph E. McDermott, SVD, Patrick (Patricia) McDermott, Madeline McDermott, Shirley McDermott, and Maureen McDermott.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Bisenius; a step son, Brian Bisenius; a grandson, Jonathan Bisenius; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Mary Joan (Jim) Ernst, Helen Ann (Don) Kraemer, Fran (David) Raab, Jerome McDermott, Mike (Lois) McDermott, Tom (Erica) McDermott, Anthony McDermott, Linus McDermott, and Chuck McDermott.

The family is deeply saddened by the loss of their husband, father, grandfather, and friend but discover subtle moments of comfort in knowing that he is now in heaven, free of the unexpected health issues that have plagued him the past few months.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jennifer Schope and Dr. Cao for the exceptional care they provided to Richard over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Veterans Freedom Center or the American Legion Dubuque Post 6.