RAYMOND SOUKUP

Funeral Mass for Raymond A. Soukup, 94, of Wagner was Saturday, January 19 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Wagner. Burial was in the St. John The Baptist Catholic Cemetery, rural Wagner. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Raymond Alphonse Soukup was born on a farm south of Wagner on September 21, 1924, the son of George and Mary (Cuka) Soukup. He died Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. Raymond attained the age of 94 years, three months and 25 days.

Ray attended the Big Tobacco Ree #61 country school. If walls could talk we would hear great stories! He was proud to have graduated from the 8th grade and according to Ray he was darn good at Math. He then farmed with his father and his brother Bob until he married Albina Cimpl on August 7, 1950 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Dante. Together they farmed with their three children until they moved to town in 1981. He entered the Good Samaritan Society in November of 2018.

Ray was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and First Lady Slovak Association. He and Albina were very proud of their Czech Heritage. They never missed Czech Days.

Ray will be remembered for his love of farming/ranching, fishing, playing cards, traveling, watching the Dakota Farmers Softball, visiting family and friends, going to grandchildren’s sports events and reminiscing in cemeteries.

Thankful for having shared his life are his children: Julie and her husband Deacon Tim Dickes of Sioux Falls, Rosie and her husband Dwayne Koupal of Dante and Joe and wife Joni (Miller) Soukup of Wagner; seven grandchildren: Clint (LeighAnn) Kolda, Jason Kolda, Michael (Tera) Koupal, Mandy Koupal, Michele (Cullen) Wilson, Joey (Kristen) Soukup and Jamie (Charlene) Soukup; thirteen great grandchildren: Kyle and Noah Kolda, Macy, Ashlyn, Cruise, Riggs, and Dash Koupal, Clarah, Windsor and Willow Soukup; Clare and Mary Wilson and Charles Soukup; brother Bob (Marie) Soukup, sisters, Eleanor Andersh and Mary Cimpl all of Wagner and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife Albina, his parents; brothers-in-law: Charlie Cimpl, John and Irene Cimpl, Leonard and Francis Nedved and Robert Andersh; nephews Bobby Soukup and Mike Cimpl; and niece Sherrie Nedved.