Obituary for Bruce Samuel Sothern
SOTHERN, BRUCE S. “Sammy”
Beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Uncle & Friend at age 100 in NE Minneapolis (7/25/19 – 2/7/20). Preceded in death (11/11/03) by wife, Margaret “Muggs”; parents, Alfred & Mae; siblings, Maude (a.k.a. Jackie), Margaret, Al & John. Survived by children, Rob, Kathy, Greg (Mary Anne), Ted (Barry Leon); grandchildren, Kelly Benzinger, Jason Benzinger (fiancée Alissa Rauen), Lyle Sothern, LeeAnn (Roger) Linn; great-grandchildren, Norah, Avery, Josh, Bruce Henry, Blake Samuel, 3mos-old Morgan; and many nieces, nephews, relatives & friends locally and in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Denver (the Danyos) & Germany (the Schimpels), all of whom knew “Sammy” as a joyous presence in their lives. Born in Silver City, ID, Bruce attended Elementary School in Castle Creek, High School in Melba and started Boise Junior College until WWII started in 1941, when he enlisted and attended tech school to become an airplane electronics specialist. He subsequently served as a Master Sergeant Electrician Crew Chief for the 8th Army Air Corp servicing B-24’s in England during WWII and received a Bronze Star for keeping “his” bombers flying flawlessly. In Minnesota, he worked for the MTC, driving streetcars, buses, minibuses on Nicollet Ave, and Metro Mobility, where he was heralded for his cheerfulness & helpfulness. He served as a Scout Master, Sgt at Arms at Fort Snelling & was active in the American Legion Post 555, VFW Post 6587 & his church. For his 100th BD he received >109 cards signed by ~160 friends that he made during exercise classes at Fitness Crossroads in St. Anthony Village (he was still going to Arm Chair Aerobics when his health allowed it!). He will be remembered for his selfless personality, humility, always putting others first, rarely uttering a complaint, playing harmonica and being a good person. One of our lives’ most precious treasures is the time we had with you Sammy! Visitation at KOZLAK-RADULOVICH CHAPEL (1918 University Ave. NE) Monday, Feb. 17 from 4-7 PM with Vigil Prayers (Parastas) at 7 PM. Funeral service at ST. MARY’S ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL (17th Ave. NE & 5th St.) Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 11 AM with visitation 1h prior. Internment with honor guard service at St. Mary’s Orthodox Cemetery will be followed by a luncheon at the Church Center. Bruce was a kind and gentle man who showed his strength through his helpful actions, so in lieu of flowers, he would hope that you do unexpected, selfless acts of kindness for anyone in need, tell people that you love them and always say thank you!
Beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Uncle & Friend at age 100 in NE Minneapolis (7/25/19 – 2/7/20). Preceded in death (11/11/03) by wife, Margaret “Muggs”; parents, Alfred & Mae; siblings, Maude (a.k.a. Jackie), Margaret, Al & John. Survived by children, Rob, Kathy, Greg (Mary Anne), Ted (Barry Leon); grandchildren, Kelly Benzinger, Jason Benzinger (fiancée Alissa Rauen), Lyle Sothern, LeeAnn (Roger) Linn; great-grandchildren, Norah, Avery, Josh, Bruce Henry, Blake Samuel, 3mos-old Morgan; and many nieces, nephews, relatives & friends locally and in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Denver (the Danyos) & Germany (the Schimpels), all of whom knew “Sammy” as a joyous presence in their lives. Born in Silver City, ID, Bruce attended Elementary School in Castle Creek, High School in Melba and started Boise Junior College until WWII started in 1941, when he enlisted and attended tech school to become an airplane electronics specialist. He subsequently served as a Master Sergeant Electrician Crew Chief for the 8th Army Air Corp servicing B-24’s in England during WWII and received a Bronze Star for keeping “his” bombers flying flawlessly. In Minnesota, he worked for the MTC, driving streetcars, buses, minibuses on Nicollet Ave, and Metro Mobility, where he was heralded for his cheerfulness & helpfulness. He served as a Scout Master, Sgt at Arms at Fort Snelling & was active in the American Legion Post 555, VFW Post 6587 & his church. For his 100th BD he received >109 cards signed by ~160 friends that he made during exercise classes at Fitness Crossroads in St. Anthony Village (he was still going to Arm Chair Aerobics when his health allowed it!). He will be remembered for his selfless personality, humility, always putting others first, rarely uttering a complaint, playing harmonica and being a good person. One of our lives’ most precious treasures is the time we had with you Sammy! Visitation at KOZLAK-RADULOVICH CHAPEL (1918 University Ave. NE) Monday, Feb. 17 from 4-7 PM with Vigil Prayers (Parastas) at 7 PM. Funeral service at ST. MARY’S ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL (17th Ave. NE & 5th St.) Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 11 AM with visitation 1h prior. Internment with honor guard service at St. Mary’s Orthodox Cemetery will be followed by a luncheon at the Church Center. Bruce was a kind and gentle man who showed his strength through his helpful actions, so in lieu of flowers, he would hope that you do unexpected, selfless acts of kindness for anyone in need, tell people that you love them and always say thank you!